The Permanent Secretary for Civil Service and Public Enterprises, Mr. Parmesh Chand,
The Commissioner Northern, Mr. Uraia Rainima,
The Chairman of Fiji Rice Limited, Mr. Raj Sharma,
The Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Rice Limited, Mr. Mukesh Kumar,
Executive Board Members and Management of Fiji Rice Limited,
All the Nominees of this year’s President’s Awards for Rice Farmers,
Sponsors of the 2024 President’s Awards for Rice Farmers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.Bula Vinaka, Namaste, and Good Morning to you all.I extend my sincere appreciation to the Executive Management of Fiji Rice Limited, for their kind invitation to speak at this annual Presidents Awards for Rice Farmers in Fiji.
Today, we recognise outstanding achievements of our nation’s rice producers. The awards presented will include the following categories: Overall Best Farmer, Best Female Farmer, Best Youth Farmer Male, Best Youth Farmer Female, Best Itaukei Farmer, and recognition for Lifetime Contribution.
While we acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our farmers who have contributed immensely to the 2023 season, we also express our heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders who continue to support this key agricultural sector.
Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards agricultural sustainability and food security in Fiji. We have made strides since the inaugural Presidents Awards for Rice Farmers in 2022, and I am truly honoured to meet you all again this year.
These awards must serve as a benchmark to all farmers, as well as the industry, to achieve better and higher. I have always believed that the accolades and acknowledgements that accompany awards are the drivers for improvement and the yardstick for highlighting the lessons learned through the production year.
We are indeed grateful for the Government grant of $150,000 aimed at the revitalization of the rice industry, as well as to support its 400 farmers. Through this grant, a total of 600 acres of rice crop are expected to be planted.
Qualified farmers who will receive the grant are expected to supply 80percent of their production to Fiji Rice Limited. Based on this, the company expects to get 480 tonnes of paddy. With the establishment of the new mill in Ba, I understand that priority will be given to farmers on Viti Levu.
By leveraging these grants and subsidies effectively, we can strengthen our rice sector and ensure that we produce high-quality, in-demand rice for the nation.
You are well aware that the Northern Division accounts for 75perecnt of rice producers in our nation, with the remaining producers from the Western and Central Divisions.
Our current rice production has been 8,000 tonnes or at 20 percent self–sufficiency, while the current average yield of rice in Fiji is 2.5 tonnes per hectare. Although we have farmed this off-season alternative crop for decades, our rice imports stands close to approximately $51million – $60million.
Indeed, our rice industry has the potential for further growth. I echo the sentiments of the Minister for Agriculture, the Honourable Vatimi Rayalu, that there is much to gain in training our rice farmers and extension workers in current technological advancements in the area.
Outside of its core business, I applaud and motivate the farmers and the industry to produce value-added products such as brown rice, rice flour, as well as rice pollards and husks as by-products.
Research and development is one way forward. Exploring rice varieties that will raise the local demand for consumption and reduce the national import bill must be a focus for the industry.
I would like to see our supermarket shelves stocked with high quality rice products produced by our farmers. I want each of you to view the product and say – Yes, I did that!
Milling, land-use efficiency, training, with the ultimate focus on raising production lines, food security, and self-sufficiency, is the way forward.
I applaud the utility of land for rice farming in the Dreketi, Labasa, Rewa, Navua, and parts of the Western Division, with new areas outlined in Savusavu and Tailevu. I am pleased, also, that sugarcane farmers in the cane belt areas are being urged to plant at least one acre of rice, apart from their traditional crop.
To our award recipients, I congratulate you for your achievements. To young farmers and to youths, who are considering farming as a means for economic wellbeing – you can succeed with the right attitude, assistance, and infrastructure.
There is much to gain from the farmers on the ground and from technical officers in the field. Ask questions, learn, and grow.
May you all enjoy this evening of celebration.
Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyavaad, and thank you.
May God bless you all and may God bless Fiji.
