To enhance rice cultivation in Fiji, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways in collaboration with the Chinese rice experts conducted a training yesterday on high-yield cultivation technology for irrigated and upland rice.

Over 40 participants, including rice farmers from Navua and the Ministry staff, attended this training, which aimed to improve rice farming practices through knowledge transfer on modern techniques focusing on productivity, sustainability, and food security. 

Rice Expert Fu Jiaan emphasized the basic upland rice planting practices, covering land preparation, seed selection, growth stages, management, and harvesting.

Senior Agriculture Officer (Rice), Sera Nakidakida, stressed that farmers can use the skills learned from the training to improve rice production and climate resilience.

“The training imparted crucial knowledge and techniques to our farmers. These sustainable practices improve our rice production and help our farming communities adapt to climate change, she said.

Following the training, participants expressed enthusiasm about the new techniques and their potential impact on rice farming.

24-year-old Jokini Hanif said the training has significantly enhanced his understanding of rice cultivation.

“As a young farmer, I knew about basic fertilizers like NPK and urea that we have been using in Fiji for years, however, through this training, I learned about other types of fertilizers such as Single Superphosphate (SSP) and Murate of Potash (MOP) and different pesticides available in Fiji,” said Jokini.

“Growing up, I worked alongside my grandfather on his rice field, who relied on manual techniques. Today, however, with the advancements in machinery and cultivation practices, I feel more equipped to honor his legacy by embracing these new technologies,” added Jokini.

Another farmer, Vicky Vikash Narayan of Viwawa, Navua, who has been cultivating rice on 20 acres of land, said the training has improved his knowledge to apply techniques to increase rice yields.

“We look forward to more training like this to enhance the knowledge of our farmers on the use of machinery and improved cultivation practices,” said Vicky.

The farmers also received two bags of fertilizer and one bag of rice seeds as support from the Ministry and the Chinese rice experts under the Fiji China Rice Project Phase III.

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