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A RICE company hopes to extend its reach in the country by establishing another operation in the Northern Division.
The Grace Road Food Company in Navua will also venture into vegetables, livestock and aquaculture and plans to establish a research institute, milling factory and other infrastructure.
The company recorded another achievement as it harvested its second variety of rice in Navua this week.
It was commended for its role in providing employment for locals and for developing rice farming potential in the area.
Managing director Daniel Kim said the harvest was a success for the company since it started operations last year.
“We are planting four locally-grown varieties and they are star, totoka, nuinui and deepak and our aim is to help and support the economy, upgrade skills, educate and introduce new technologies for the people of Fiji,” he said in a statement.
“Fiji has a suitable condition for planting rice and also the introduction of farm machines such as the combined harvester will help advance the minds of the locals as it is easy, convenient and fast compared to the traditional method,” he said.
Sakeasi Labalaba, a landowner together with family and mataqali members, are just some of the locals that had been assisted by the company.
“We have benefitted a lot from this company in terms of employment, financial benefits, education of our children and the development of idle land,” he said.
Ministry of Agriculture senior agricultural officer for Serua and Namosi Aporosa Lalabalavu commended the company for its contribution to Fiji’s economic development.