SOME farmers are reportedly abusing grants intended for the revitalisation of the rice industry by failing to plant rice as required, according to Fiji Rice Private Ltd board chairman Raj Sharma.
Mr Sharma said some recipients had also not supplied rice to the company.
“My humble request to those people who have taken the grants, please supply rice to Fiji Rice,” he said, adding the grant was designed to boost the rice sector.
“Some farmers are not following through on their planting commitments.”
In addition, the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said the Government had provided more than $150,000 in grants to rice farmers to revitalise the rice sector.
“Farmers receiving the grant are expected to supply 80 percent of their production to Fiji Rice Ltd. Based on this, the company expects to get 480 tonnes of paddy,” he said.
Ratu Wiliame said by leveraging these grants and subsidies effectively, Fiji Rice Ltd would be able to strengthen the rice sector and ensure they produce high-quality, in-demand rice for the nation.
