Fiji Rice Ltd chairman Raj Sharma says there are 600 registered rice farmers in Fiji and anticipates the number to grow significantly.
Speaking at the opening of the Fiji Rice Mill in Nailaga, Ba last Saturday, he said 100 farmers were from the Western Division.
“Now with this mill in place and interest is shown by the farmers, we anticipate the numbers to grow significantly,” Mr Sharma said.
“Currently we get 10 per cent of paddy from Viti Levu and targeting to increase to 25 per cent in the next two sessions – with its target 2025 – 1600, 2026 – 1800 and 2027 – 2230.
“There is a lot of interest coming from the first-time growers in Vanua Levu too – Wailevu Village, Yalava Village, Nabua (Savusavu) and the Ministry of Agriculture is coordinating and facilitating the training jointly.”
Mr Sharma said there were landowners in Rakiraki and Tailevu who have shown interest and had met with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB).
