Finally, we may soon witness the revival of the rice industry.  Through the technical co-operation between Fiji and China, $5m worth of machines were handed over to the Fijian Government on Thursday.

The China Shandong International Economic and Technical Co-operation Group Limited played a vital role.

They provided much-needed assistance to rice farmers in Dreketi and Koronivia – including 11 different models of rice machines from China.

The application of this new modern method of rice farming is timely. The traditional method used previously by our farmers was laborious and no longer sustainable.

The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, was spot on when he said, “To make sure our rice industry emerges as a competitive and modern operation, we are shifting away from traditional rice farming towards mechanised farming. That can only happen when we have new technology available to us, and that is why this handover is so valuable.”

We have to be on par with what the developing and developed countries are doing if we want to be competitive – at least that is our long-term goal.

For now our focus is to be self-sufficient by helping Fijian farmers meet our domestic demand.

By mechanising our rice farming, farmers will be able to attain higher yields therefore higher profits.

The Chinese government are not only providing rice farming equipment, but also technical expertise – vital for the proper use and maintenance of the equipment

But these type of assistance is part of the bigger co-operation between Fiji and China.

A priority is the people to people experience and exchange which strengthens ties and understanding between the two countries.

China has been a good friend to Fiji in many ways. For a friend in need is a friend indeed.

Rosi Doviverata

Feedback:  rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj