Fiji’s annual rice import bill now stands at $37.5 million. In launching the Rice Farmers Award 2022 in Labasa last week, the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said this import bill was worth 36,200 tonnes of rice.
Compared to the local rice production of 7000 tonnes annually, Ratu Wiliame called on farmers to work with the stakeholders as he wished to see an increase in production in years to come.
“In recent years there has been a considerable increase in the number of Fijians who have opted for rice farming in Vanua Levu,” he said.
“The number of rice farmers around Labasa town has increased in the past seven years and this increased even further after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Rice Farmers Awards is necessary in these times, to motivate, inspire and encourage rice farmers as well as potential rice farmers in further cultivating and developing a lucrative industry.”
Ratu Wiliame said rice was one of the world’s most significant agricultural produces.
“In Fiji, rice has over the years gained the important status as a staple food parallel to that of root crops in many Fijian homes. “Currently, Fiji imports an average of 36, 200 tonnes of rice valued at about $37.5 million annually. The annual rice production in Fiji is 7,000 tonnes.”
He thanked rice farmers, the management and board of Fiji Rice Ltd describing their initiative as one that would pave a way forward for the industry.
The awards have six (6) categories which are:
- Best Farmer Award;
- Highest Paddy Supply Per Year Award;
- Young Farmer of the Year Award;
- Best Farmer Award for Main Season Supply;
- Best Farmer Award for Off Season Supply;
- Best Woman Farmer of the Year.
