Bavu villagers praise ‘We Rice Up’ drive
MORE than 60 families living in Bavu, Nadroga acknowledged the Fijian Government for launching the ‘We ‘Rice Up’ initiative. The initiative which will assist them with the know-how on rice farming was launched by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. Village headman Nikotimo Sulele stated that villagers were grateful for the initiative as they were now able to plant and harvest rice with the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture. “Growing and harvesting rice was an effort made by all villagers and we are so grateful for this initiative.”
PM Bainimarama highlighted that the Bavu Communal Rice scheme is a first of it’s kind initiative to help farmers cash-in on the growing demand for rice in Fiji.
“I know many of us are used to farming certain types of crops. Dalo, cassava, yaqona – Fijians are agro-experts at these dietary staples. But given the great demand we have for rice, it’s time we add it to that list of essential Fijian crops. Some of us have not grown rice before.
“It may seem like a daunting step, but “We Rice Up” is here to inform you and support you towards growing, cultivating, and profiting from this in-demand crop. PM Bainimarama assured those present that the Fijian Government is committed to making their communal planting initiative a success that can be replicated in other communities.
“There are 10,500 hectares in the surrounding area here in Bavu that we’d like to target through this initiative under the next two cropping seasons.
PM Bainimarama also stated that farmers will be provided with access to mechanised tools, as well as regular check-ups to ensure farms are progressing well.
An average of 40,000 tonnes of rice is imported into Fiji annually costing around $40 million for rice grown in places like South East Asia.