Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has encouraged Fijians to support local products by purchasing items with the “Fiji Grown” and “Fiji Made” logos, emphasizing the importance of such actions in bolstering the nation’s farmers and communities. Speaking at the commissioning of the Fiji Rice Mill in Nailaga, Ba, Rabuka highlighted the critical role this support plays in strengthening national food security and moving towards self-sufficiency in rice and other essentials, which can help reduce the country’s annual import bill.
He noted with pride that Fiji Rice Ltd (FRL), a 100 percent government-owned entity reporting to the Ministry of Public Enterprises, carries the “Fiji Grown” logo on its rice products. This branding underscores FRL’s dedication to local rice production, a point of national pride.
Rabuka also commended the Board of Fiji Rice for their considerable efforts in revitalizing the rice industry and advocating for government incentives and assistance for rice farmers. He noted the company’s increased paddy buying and milling capacities have lowered costs and spurred sales. The government continues to subsidize the company’s paddy-buying efforts to support its growth.
Previously, FRL operated two rice mills in Nausori and Dreketi on Vanua Levu. However, the Nausori Rice Mill ceased operations in 2004, leaving only the Dreketi Mill operational. To meet the rising demand for Fiji Rice, FRL has now ventured into commercial rice farming.