Last week, members of the Tacilevu Rice Cluster of Matacaucau in the Namalata district in Tailevu harvested 30 bags of star-variety rice from their one-acre farm.

Cluster leader Setoki Lewanavanua said it was the first time for them to try out rice farming.

“We have a lot of flatland here and after consulting with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, we utilized the 1 acre of mataqali land to plant rice,” said Mr. Lewanavanua.

“We have been farming other crops for the last 10 years, and this is the first time we are venturing into rice farming,” he said.

“The cluster is happy with the harvest of 30 bags of rice from one acre and is planning to expand and cultivate another five acres for our next rice planting.”

Agriculture Assistant (Korovou), Pema Baleiwai said the ministry is working with farmers in Tailevu on rice revitalization.

The group received assistance under the Flatland Program on Land Preparation, and they will supply rice to Fiji Rice Limited while keeping some for home consumption.

Their first harvest is a testament of their dedication which they hope will inspire farmers in the vicinity to join in the efforts of reviving and increasing rice farming in the Central Division.

ENDS

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