News

Ra farmers encouraged to plant rice for import reduction

July 14, 2018 4:06 am

Farmers in Ra have been advised to consider planting rice as an alternative crop to help reduce the import bill on agriculture-related produce.

While addressing the farmers during a rice field day held this week in Saivou, Ra, Ministry of Agriculture’s Senior Research Officer Rice, Penaia Mua stressed the need for farmers to consider planting rice in light of the fluctuating and changing climatic conditions in Fiji.

He says rice is a staple food, consumed by all Fijians and it would beneficial to everyone.

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Mua says Fiji’s import bill on rice is approximately $40million dollars annually and therefore it gives more reason to cultivate rice.

He says the Government is revitalizing the rice industry.