Against Consumers?

Position Of Fijian Rice

Can Growers Plot

FOR a country well suited to rice growing, Fiji last year was a comparatively heavy importer of rice—2,99o tons of rice were im ported, costing £221,065.

This was largely due to heavy rains and floods just before the harvest. But the importations also were encouraged by Government in order to break down the high prices being charged by growers, who took advantage of the shortage to make big profits.

The suggestion that much of the land in the Rewa Valley, now grow ing sugar-cane, could be used for rice when the Nausori Mill closes down has not been accepted with any enthusiasm by Indian cultiva tors. They complain that more rice production would cheapen the price.

Could Export Rice

People who handle rice in the .'arge stores claim that it could be sold at 9d a pound instead of 1/and 1/1 per pound as at present. At 9d, more rice (which is used by all sections of the community) would be consumed.

It might also be possible to ex port any surplus to other Islands Territories. There appears to be no

necessity for importing rice each year into a rice-growing country.

Any idea that the cultivators will keep prices up by reduced produc tion and a shortage may not work cut this year, as it is reported that orders for rice have already been forwarded to Australia and else where.

Last year, 660 tons, worth £i were imported from Australia] tons (£86,503) from India; an tons (£77,782) from Siam.

If Laumeesi Malolo, of Tongs; graduated as an Assistant M Practitioner at the Central M School, Suva.