AMA conducts study for second processing plant in Vanua Levu

Currently their first and only processing plant is in Savusavu.

The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is conducting a feasibility study on building a second processing plant in Vanua Levu.

Currently their first and only processing plant is in Savusavu.

AMA chief executive officer Alvin Sharma has been visiting rice farmers in the North accompanying the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy. He has been informing farmers on AMA’s plan to provide ‘farmer contract ‘ to their current and potential suppliers.

“This means that we will be providing a written contract to the farmers for a three year period where we will define the quantity of produce required, what are the intervals it is required at, what will be the price range to be paid out to the farmer and the obligations of AMA and the respective farmer,” Mr Sharma explained.

“In addition to our Savusavu Collection Centre, we will also be opening up a collection centre between Bua and Dreketi.

“This means we will buy the produce from our farmers in their localities and pay them cash within 72 working hours.”

Meanwhile, he urged the farmers to plant chilli, duruka, pulses and turmeric.

He said there was a huge market for this and they are willing to buy from farmers. Mr Reddy said there was also demand for fruits like watermelon and pineapple.

“The building of a processing plant and collection would be a value addition for the North,” Mr Reddy said.

“I urge farmers to plant chilli, duruka, pulses and tumeric as AMA is prepared to buy.”

He said if farmers are in need of seeds they can visit the Ministry of Agriculture office and the staff can assist by providing for a quarter acre farm.