The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, in collaboration with China Aid-Fiji is working on revitalising rice farming in the Serua and Namosi provinces.

Senior Agriculture Officer (Serua/Namosi) Inosi Vulawalu said interest in rice farming declined over the years because of rural-to-urban drift as well as changing weather patterns that affected rice production.

“The ministry is keenly working towards reviving rice farming and boosting production in Navua,” Mr Vulawalu said.

“We have already started our consultation with interested farm[1]ers, forming clusters as well as introducing mechanisation.

“That is why we set up an off[1]season rice demonstration plot which has all the packaged train[1]ing for farmers.”

He said if more farmers ventured into rice farming, families would be able to improve their food security status as they would not have to worry about purchasing imported rice.

China Aid-Fiji team leader Chen Huazao said according to their rice research, Fiji had a high number of elderly rice farmers that were between 50 and 70 years old.

“This is a great opportunity for young landowners to utilise their land and approach us should they need more advice and information,” Mr Huazao said.

“Some of the problems that we saw that contribute to the low production and poor quality of rice in Fiji include poor rice land preparation, wrong fertiliser application, pests and weeds control occur[1]rence as well as planting methods.

“At the end of May this year, a rice demonstration plot was established on Vicky Vikash Narayan’s farm in Navua on an area of 2787 metre squared using the recommended package of rice practice by the Chinese and Research team.

“The bold grain variety was planted in dry land in the off-season using the seeder-inline method with a total harvest of 1447.7 kg, the highest yield obtained in the off-season for that area.”

He said the recommended practice package will boost rice production in the Navua locality and improve food security in Fiji.

Mr Narayan said the practical field rice training and the bid to revitalise rice farming in Navua had enabled him to return to his former passion for rice farming.

“I used to farm rice but because of challenges faced, I decided to stop,” he said.

“With the new and improved rice cultivation techniques and technologies, I am keen to plant rice again.”

Ten rice demonstration bases were established by Chinese experts in areas such as Navua, Koronivia Research Station, Fiji National University and the Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute.

Published Date: September 14, 2024