The rice farmers as well as other farmers have been urged to grow more rice even in small plots as the rice revitalization program has gained an ally after the devaluation of the Fiji dollar.

Agriculture officer Jone Matawalu said the local rice industry suffered a setback more than a decade ago when the government deregulated the industry allowing for cheaper rice to be imported for overseas countries.

He said the rice industry then faded into the background however in 2007, the industry was revitalized by the government and the response from the rice farmers is now overwhelming.

Matawalu said under the revitalization program, many farmers have taken up rice farming in the northern division and the first quarter of this year looks promising than the previous years.

He said rice can become a top crop in the country again and is calling on farmers to take on rice farming as the dollar devaluation can only be a catalyst for the local industry's rapid growth.