Government is committed to bolstering Fiji’s domestic rice industry and the agro economy as a whole, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
This, he said, would be done through targeted assistance to farmers throughout Fiji.
“To get there, we need to tap into new innovations and explore new ways of serving our vital agricultural sector and our hardworking rice farmers are no exceptions,” he said.
In opening the new $142,000 Fiji Rice Ltd boardroom in Dreketi, Macuata yesterday, Mr Bainimarama said the project would ensure farmers documents were kept in order and board members could host meetings with stakeholders.
“Over the past few years, we’ve given farmers in Dreketi new trucks, tractors and excavators and we’re dedicated to improving every part of our farmers’ lives and we know that for the farmers surrounding Dreketi, your time and labour wasn’t limited to the rice paddy. Your farmers had to travel all the way to the office in Labasa, an entire day’s journey, simply to pick up their cheques.
“But now, with this new Dreketi office, those days are over and we’re not resting here.”
He said Government was committed to the rice industry’s success.
“We will continue to support Fiji Rice Ltd and its ultimate goal of making Fiji rice production self-sufficient in years to come.”
