President questions $150,000 rice grant’s impact on self-sufficiency

President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, has highlighted Fiji Rice Limited’s investment of $150,000 in the 2024 planting grant, and questioned whether this amount is sufficient to drive Fiji toward rice self-sufficiency.

While speaking at the Rice Farmers President Awards 2024, Ratu Naiqama stressed that agriculture is the backbone of Fiji’s economy and reducing rice imports is crucial for food security and managing disposable income.

The President also challenge the Ministry of Agriculture, industry leaders, and farmers to bring forward workable solutions, expand rice farming, and push Fiji toward agricultural independence and self-sufficiency.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu says they are working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to address climate impacts on farming, particularly rice production in Fiji.

Bulitavu says that through technical assistance and concept papers, they help secure international funding for climate-smart agriculture.

He says farmers face major challenges such as droughts, changing rainfall, saltwater intrusion, and reduced yields.

Meanwhile, Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna stated that rice is central to Fiji’s food security, livelihoods, and cultural identity, with over 1,600 households engaged in cultivation.

He says the country imports about 88 percent of its rice, costing $42 million in 2022 and exposing Fiji to global price fluctuations.

Tunabuna says to boost local production, the Ministry of Agriculture has introduced training, modern machinery, improved seed varieties, and mechanisation to the farmers.