Rice farmers to benefit from increase in the price of rice

Over 500 rice farmers supplying rice paddy to Fiji Rice Ltd will benefit from the announcement made by the government that the revised price for grade 1 rice will increase from $850 to $1000 per tonne and for grade 2, from $750 to $800.

Chairman of Fiji Rice Ltd, Raj Sharma says this is the highest price paid to the farmers in Fiji’s history, who are expected to supply over 2000 tonnes of paddy in the coming season due to the shortage of brown rice as the demand has increased.

Sharma acknowledged the work done by the government where they are committed to revitalizing not only the rice industry but other agriculture sectors with huge potential.

He says this announcement is very timely as it is peak time for planting.

The Chairman of Fiji Rice Ltd also thanked the Prime Minister for accommodating the request, along with the various initiatives such as land preparation grants and subsidies for weedicides and fertilizer.