Surge in Rice Farming Grant Applications Signals Farmer Interest in Fiji

Applications for the Ministry of Agriculture’s rice farming planting grant for the 2025 season have surged significantly, indicating a growing interest among farmers. Mukesh Kumar, CEO of Fiji Rice Limited (FRL), noted that this year’s response is markedly better than in previous years, with 283 farmers applying—a rise of 130 from before.

Notably, there is also an encouraging trend in the participation of female farmers, with 46 women applying for the grant. The planting window is from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, a period during which the grants will be approved for rice seedlings. Efforts to promote rice farming have included training programs, particularly targeting iTaukei farmers, who have shown increased interest likely due to the rise in the price of paddy from $850 to $1000.

The government has allocated an additional $150,000 for the 2024/2025 financial year to support eligible farmers. FRL is aiming for an 80% supply requirement of rice paddy from local farmers to boost production and reduce Fiji’s rice import bill, which currently stands at $60 million while the country is only 17% self-sufficient.

To ensure the planting grants are used appropriately, Mr. Kumar assured that the selection of beneficiaries is merit-based, involving training and monitoring of the farmers. The FRL guidelines offer various levels of assistance based on farm size, allowing small farmers to receive support for up to two acres and commercial farmers up to seven acres.

This initiative not only aims to alleviate the burden of farm input costs but also works towards achieving greater self-sufficiency in rice production in Fiji. As the local farming community increasingly embraces this opportunity, it holds promise for a more resilient agricultural sector.

The overall sentiment from the FRL and the Ministry of Agriculture reflects a commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing economic stability through increased local food production, which is essential for the nation’s long-term sustainability.