Minister for Agriculture-Doctor Mahendra Reddy along with senior officials met with Fiji Rice Limited Chairman-Raj Sharma this week to discuss key areas on revitalizing the local rice industry.
One key priority area discussed was the securing of better markets where-by trade and collection of farm produce was conducted at the farm gate and still maintaining the market price; along with renewed commitments to establish another rice mill to ensure consistent supply from farmers.
Reddy says they will be promoting dry land rice farming as it is an easy way and is not so labor intensive, as irrigation systems are not required for rice farming.
He also highlighted the shared objective for the next 3-5 years was a self-sufficient rice industry to reduce imports and lessen the trade deficit.
