The Agriculture ministry is working with rice farmers to meet the current local rice demands.

With the local demands currently being met by rice imported from other countries, Senior Agriculture Officer Mohammed Khan says they are working on increasing local rice production.
Khan says they’re focusing on farmers who have land that is suitable for rice farming.

“The amount of rice consumed by Fijians is quite high, this is number one commodity apart from noodles and potatoes. When you look at the training provided to the farmers’ here, they have land with them. We have come down to them to motivate them, to provide them with technology and how the commodity is done. That is the reason why we are providing training to Rewa farmers because they have land. They can expand to become commercial rice farmers or semi-commercial rice farmers.”

Khan has also urged potential rice farmers to fill out a form at their nearby Ministry branch in order to receive assistance, training and awareness regarding rice farming.

The Ministry is currently working with rice farmers in the Rewa Delta and is open to work with farmers in identifying alternative areas around the country for rice farming.