Fiji trying to increase domestic production

Fiji's Agriculture Permanent Secretary Colonel Mason Smith has expressed confidence that their enhanced efforts will ensure that Fiji can slowly move away from importing rice and start producing its own rice in the near future. Colonel Smith said that Fiji imported $40 million worth of rice last year and the bulk of imports can be produced locally. "Efforts have been centered around the Dreketi are in the Northern Division. We are also looking at areas such as Navua and Lakena in Nausori. We are also liaising closely with the Fiji Sugar Corporation to be able to get the sugar cane farmers to at least plant some dry land rice and those in the Central Division to plant some rain-fed rice." The current rice production in Fiji stands at 11,600 MT with the deficit compensated through imports from overseas countries. - Oryaza