A NEW variety of rice is expected to be released in June.
This was revealed by the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Jale Sigarara, during his visit to the rice irrigation farm in Dreketi, Macuata.
Agriculture research officers informed Mr Sigarara that tests were being carried out on the new variety.
The officials said the new variety would not need much water to survive like other common varieties of rice planted by most farmers.
A Chinese team had also arrived in Dreketi to help boost rice production in the next three years.
Mr Sigarara was informed that the team members of Longping Hi-tech had conducted rice farming trainings for farmers.
He was also informed that the training included ways of planting rice and the amount of water and fertiliser to use on the crops.
This training was aimed at increasing rice yield and to boost production for farmers and local consumers.
Mr Sigarara thanked the team for their hard work and pleaded with them to do their best as farmers depended on them.
“We have had many tests on varieties of rice and many attempts to give our farmers the best, so this time please ensure that farmers are served with the best advice and training to help them boost production in their rice farms,” he said.
“Our farmers deserve the best, so we need to work together to achieve goals and plans set out for our farmers.”
