The Ministry of Agriculture is witnessing a significant surge in applications for its rice farming planting grant for the upcoming 2025 season. According to Mukesh Kumar, the chief executive officer of Fiji Rice Limited (FRL), the level of interest this year is markedly higher than in previous years.
A total of 283 farmers from across the nation have applied for the planting grant, which reflects an increase of 130 applicants compared to past seasons. Notably, outreach efforts aimed at encouraging female farmers have resulted in 46 women applying for the grant this year.
To qualify for the planting grant, rice seedlings must be planted between November 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025. The Ministry has organized numerous training programs to engage more iTaukei farmers in rice cultivation, motivated by the rise in paddy prices from $850 to $1000. Kumar emphasized that this assistance is crucial in mitigating the high costs of farm inputs associated with rice farming.
For the 2024/2025 financial year, the government has provided an additional $150,000 to be distributed to eligible farmers through the grant program. The FRL aims to increase rice production by requiring that farmers supply 80 percent of their rice paddy to the organization.
Parmesh Chand, Permanent Secretary for Civil Service, highlighted the importance of involving landowners and local communities in rice farming, especially considering the attractive prices in comparison to other cash crops. This year, 57 iTaukei farmers have expressed interest in the planting grant.
Kumar pointed out that boosting local rice production is essential for reducing the country’s rice import bill, which currently sits at $60 million, while Fiji’s self-sufficiency in rice is only at 17 percent. To enhance local production, the FRL is focusing on increasing yields in Viti Levu, an area historically noted for producing less rice than Vanua Levu.
In terms of accountability, Kumar assured stakeholders that there will be no misuse of the planting grant. The FRL is working with the Ministry of Agriculture to closely monitor the program, with a dedicated supply chain officer verifying the selection of farmers. Grants are awarded based on merit, involving the Principal Agriculture Officer and his team in the selection process.
The planting grant encompasses three categories of assistance tailored to different types of farmers, ranging from small-scale to commercial operations, with financial support allocated based on the size of the farm.
This increase in interest and planned support for rice farmers presents a promising opportunity for the local agricultural industry, as more farmers engage in rice production. The efforts to boost local self-sufficiency in rice not only have the potential to enhance the livelihoods of farmers but also positively impact the wider economy by reducing dependency on imports.
Summary: Applications for the Ministry of Agriculture’s rice farming planting grant for the 2025 season have surged, with 283 farmers applying, including 46 female farmers. The focus is on increasing local rice production to reduce the $60 million import bill and boost self-sufficiency currently at 17%. The FRL has received additional funding to distribute grants and ensures merit-based selection to prevent misuse. Various support categories are available to accommodate different farming scales, promoting growth in Fiji’s rice industry.
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