Farmer's Urged To Plant Rice
August 23, 2020
Photo:A variety of rice by the Ministry of Agriculture at the Rice Field Day demonstration
Farmers who have started planting rice have encouraged others who have not already done so, to join them.
Nawaicoba, Nadi farmers, Mr Rajnesh Sanjay Naidu and Mr Anish Prakash both said there were a number of benefits of planting this particular commodity.
“Before in my grandparents’ time, they used to do the work manually. But now machinery is provided to make work easier and faster in terms of harvesting rice,” Mr Naidu said.
He said his fore fathers planted rice then stopped.
“I think, after ten years, then I have started again. I want to plant rice for two reasons; family consumption and supply to the local market. There is high demand for rice in the market.
“A lot of rice is imported, instead we can grow and sell it for the local market and boost our economy,” Mr Naidu said.
Mr Prakash said he decided to plant rice in addition, to his other vegetables, because he would save money.
“At the moment I’m buying $20-$21 for a 10kg rice. But planting it means we will save that amount of money. I will eat fresh rice as well,” he said.
Mr Prakash advised farmers to take advantage of the assistance provided by the Ministry of Agriculture.
He said the Ministry was providing 30kg of rice seeds that could cater to one acre of land, for free.
“Plough the land, plant the rice seeds, and you will have rice for your family to consume for one year. You won’t have to buy rice for that time,” Mr Prakash said.
Minister for Agriculture, Waters and Environment, Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy confirmed there was indeed assistance available for start-ups such as seedlings, land preparation, harvesting, and market access.
“Some farmers are worried about how they will harvest the rice. That’s not an issue. We are providing harvesters. But we will need a large number of farmers to grow rice before we can bring the harvester here.”
Dr Reddy said government was promoting to farmers, to grow the three-month variety.
“We urge you to get into rice production. All you need is a small portion of your land to plant rice.
Please continue with your sugarcane farming; continue with your vegetable farming,” he said.
The Minister was the guest of honor at the Rice Field Day demonstration in Nawaicoba, Nadi last week (20.8.20).
-ENDS-
