Rice Production in Fiji

100 Per cent. Increase Over 15 Years

Suva, October 1.

ACCORDING to figures recently re leased by the local Department of Agriculture, rice production in the Colony of Fiji has been doubled since 1931. But consumption has increased with production, and during the last 18 months, restrictions have had to be in troduced in order to save food for other parts of the hungry world.

Between 1921 and 1931, the annual pro duction of rice in Fiji was an average 8,500 tons, from 12,000 acres. During this period, an annual average of 1,500 tons of rice were imported as well.

In the following 10 year period produc tion was increased and in 1934 the Col ony was considered self-supporting ,in rice.

By 1938, 16,400 acres were under rice cultivation and after the outbreak of the war, production was again stepped up.

The following are details of acreage and production during the past four years:

Assistance given by the Department of Agriculture in the development of rice cultivation, has included the intro duction, propagation and distribution of improved varieties, advisory field work, distribution of seed and the development of new areas.

Abnormal demand for rice within the Colony of recent years has been caused by the presence of troops in Fiji, changes of food habits and restricted imports of alternative foods such as flours, sharps and pulses.

Acres Tons 1942 .. . 22.000 12,000 1944 .. .. . . 28,244 15,458 1945 .. . 23,810 14,943 1946 .. . 26,773 17,446