Rice, sugar and coconut production can expect changes for the better, following a multi-million Budget allocation.

For Food Processors Fiji Ltd, the $1.170 million provision from the Government was expected to boost expansion plans to reach more farmers in Vanua Levu, said chairman, Raj Sharma.

Mr Sharma is also chairman for Fiji Coconut Millers, and Fiji Rice Ltd.

Outlining plans over the Budget allocation, he said:

• $400,000 was set aside as subsidy for the purchase of agriculture produce.
• $400,000 would be used to upgrade Batiri farm and its infrastructure, and
• a $370,000-upgrade was scheduled for Food Processors’ Vatuwaqa factory.

Fiji Rice Ltd

A budget increment of $0.8 million to $1.3 million was noted for Fiji Rice Limited.

Mr Sharma said it reflected the increase in rice production.

“We will be looking at some policy changes,” he said.

Sugar

Mr Sharma is the Chief Executive Officer for Sugar cane Growers Fund.

He said the industry was expected to grow through the Fiji Sugar Corporation sugar price support scheme of $8 million.

The fertiliser subsidy of $25.3 million, and a one million dollar allocation for Sugar Cane Development and Farmer Assistance was also welcomed, as cane access road development would take place to the tune of $2 million, along with weedicide subsidy of $0.600 million.

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