Govt moves cut rice imports as oil prices rise

Fiji is intensifying its drive to decrease reliance on imported rice as escalating global crude oil prices drive up the cost of food imports. Minister for Agriculture, Waterways, and Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, informed Parliament that Fiji remains susceptible to global market volatility because domestic rice production falls short of national consumption.

Tunabuna explained that elevated oil prices are inflating shipping expenses, fertilizer costs, and production expenditures in rice-exporting nations. This situation places additional strain on Fiji's rice import budget. To counter this, the Ministry of Agriculture is actively expanding rice farming initiatives. These include distributing climate-resilient seed varieties, enhancing mechanization support for farmers, and upgrading rice milling infrastructure to bolster local output.

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Fiji remains vulnerable to global market fluctuations because local rice production is still unable to meet national demand.

The government's long-term objective is to fortify food security, alleviate pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and generate more employment opportunities within rural communities. By boosting local rice production, Fiji aims to achieve greater self-sufficiency and mitigate the impact of global economic fluctuations on its food supply.

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Higher oil prices are driving up shipping costs, fertiliser prices and production expenses in rice-exporting countries, placing further pressure on Fiji’s rice import bill.