400 rice farmers set to benefit from $150,000 govt grant

400 rice farmers are set to benefit from a $150,000 government grant which will revitalise Fiji’s rice industry in terms of boosting the nation’s rice production.

This was revealed by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere during his address at the President’s Awards for Rice Farmers 2024.

Ratu Wiliame says in return, these farmers are expected to supply 80 percent of their production to Fiji Rice Limited, contributing to the company’s target of collecting 480 tonnes of paddy.

Katonivere says the initiative is part of a broader push to reduce Fiji’s reliance on rice imports which currently amount to $51-$60 million annually.

He says this move comes at a time when Fiji’s rice production only meets 20 percent of local demand, producing 8,000 tonnes annually.

He says the new grant is expected to cover the planting of 600 acres of rice, primarily focusing on the Northern Division which accounts for 75 percent of the country’s rice output while farmers from Viti Levu will also be prioritized, particularly with the establishment of a new rice mill in Ba.

Katonivere says the initiative is a major step toward enhancing food security in Fiji, as well as empowering farmers with the resources and support they need to succeed.

He says beyond increased production, the program encourages innovation by urging farmers to explore value-added products like brown rice, rice flour and by-products such as rice pollards and husks.

He further says the grant underscores the importance of strategic land use and the need to integrate modern agricultural practices.

Katonivere says this development is a promising stride towards self-sufficiency in Fiji’s agricultural sector, with the potential to drastically reduce the nation’s rice import bill while encouraging greater local consumption of homegrown rice.