THE national rice project is gaining momentum after the Government introduced it in 2006.
About 48 rice projects are established by Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock throughout the country.
This year Government has allocated $10 million to allow the ministry to complete all projects.
National Rice Coordinator, Michael Ho’ota said the ministry is currently preparing paper work to access the fund.
But he said machines for the rice projects are arriving from overseas supply and ready to be distributed to farmers in the provinces.
“We are trying to complete 10 hectares of the 48 projects before end of this year,” he said.
“This will see us achieving 480 hectares.”
The Government has taken this policy initiative to encourage small-holder farmers to grow rice.
This is to reduce the country's rice import bill.
Taiwan has been the main driver behind the rice project.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
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