Efforts of Nasarowaqa youths in Bua to better utilise 600 acres of land in commercial farming has been applauded by the Minister for Primary Industries Joketani Cokanasiga.
After a tour of Vanua Levu last week the minister said it was encouraging to see youths farming rice on 40 acres of land while diversifying with cassava, coconut drying and fishing.
“I am very pleased with the initiative by elders and youths of Nasarowaqa in supporting government’s aim of planting more rice, especially when Nasarowaqa and Korokade in Bua are two important rice farming areas,” Mr Cokanasiga said.
He said Government understood the importance of rice faming in the area, which was why it has encouraged irrigation schemes in these areas.
“The only other issue of concern with regards to rice farming in Korokade and Nasarowaqa areas is the fact that some leases of indo-Fijian rice farmers will expire in two years time,” the minister said.
“They need to pay $4,000 to renew their leases but are finding difficulties with finances.
“We are trying to make arrangement with FDB to help these farmers pay the $4,000 to NLTB and deduct the amount from farmers during harvest.
“I am assigning my permanent secretary to make arrangement with FDB on the possibilities of helping these rice farmers.
“We do not want them to leave and it is encouraging most itaukei landowners are willing to renew the lease to their land.”
Mr Cokanasiga said it would be best for the rice industry that farmers continued to keep the momentum going.
Fiji imports $40 million worth of rice annually and aims to reduce imports to $35m in three years.
-End-