Rice Crop Failure Causes
p. 62 · Read in the full issue
Concern in Fiji
SUVA, July 8.
RICE shortage threatens Fiji as a result of the failure of the crops in the western districts of Viti Levu, where about 5,000 acres of rice is un fit for harvesting. The failure is due to prolonged and unseasonal dry con ditions after the January hurricane.
The Government estimates that the total yield throughout the Colony will be down by about one-third.
Rice is a staple food of Indians, Chinese and other traditional rice eaters. It is also an important food stuff for many Fijians and Euro peans.
Farmers are being urged to plant increased areas of root crops to make up for the shortage of rice, and to conserve as much rice seed as possible for next year's crop. All Agricultural Stations are trying to accumulate seed.
It is unlikely that Fiji will be able to import rice from Australia, where the crop has also been a partial failure this year, and rice imported from Saigon is now an exorbitant price.