Fiji Rice Industry Seeks Greater Support for Production and Food Security

Fiji's rice industry is urging for greater investment to enhance local production, improve infrastructure, and bolster food security. Raj Sharma, Chair of the Fiji Rice Board, highlighted that ongoing government support, including programs that provide mechanical rice harvesters to cooperatives, is crucial for increasing efficiency and reducing farmer challenges.

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continued government support is helping farmers, with programmes such as the provision of mechanical rice harvesters to cooperatives improving efficiency and reducing challenges faced by growers.

Under these programs, cooperatives contribute one-third of the cost for equipment, with the government covering the remaining two-thirds. This initiative allows more farmers to access modern machinery. However, the industry grapples with fluctuating production levels. This year's output is expected to decrease by approximately 30 percent due to a pesticide outbreak in Labasa, according to Sharma.

Discussions are underway with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways to determine the next steps. Fiji Rice is also actively working to expand production and attract more farmers, including those from the sugarcane sector, to cultivate rice as an additional income source. Plans include upgrading mills with new silos to enhance storage capacity and implementing a fully computerized system to track farmer data, crop types, production details, and assistance received.

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fluctuating production levels, with this year’s output expected to decline due to a pesticide outbreak in Labasa.

The industry is exploring opportunities to export Fiji-branded rice to international markets at premium prices. Sharma noted that locally produced brown rice offers health benefits, particularly for diabetics, but improving its shelf life remains a challenge. Efforts are focused on refining cultivation, harvesting, and drying methods to extend the storage period of brown rice.

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brown rice produced by local farmers has health benefits, particularly for people with diabetes, but improving its shelf life remains a challenge.

Currently, around 650 to 700 farmers are directly involved with Fiji Rice, while the broader rice sector supports over 1,000 farmers, including young people and community groups. Production expansion is also targeted for the Western Division, with farmers receiving support for better access to machinery and equipment. Following the recent pesticide issue, Fiji Rice is prioritizing upgrading existing facilities over building a new mill in Labasa. Sharma emphasized the need for continued investment in local agriculture and farmer support to increase domestic production, especially amid rising global costs and food security concerns.

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Fiji must continue investing in local agriculture and support farmers to produce more for domestic consumption.