FIJI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

AIM
The aim of this assignment is to note and understand the two types of
cereals in Fiji (Rice and Maize).
Methodology
Most of the information gathered was from internet, as very few books where
written about this issue. All the pictures in these assignment were taken out from
internet.
 Introduction
Cereal, also called grain, any grass yielding starchy seeds suitable
for food. Most grains have similar dietary properties; they are rich
in carbohydrates but comparatively low in protein and naturally deficient
in calcium and vitamin A. Breads, especially those made with refined
flours, are usually enriched in order to compensate for any nutritional
deficiencies in the cereal used. The cereals most commonly cultivated
are wheat, rice, rye, oats, barley, corn (maize), and sorghum.
As human food, cereals are usually marketed in their raw grain form
(some are frozen or canned) or as ingredients of various food products.
As animal feed, they are consumed mainly by livestock and poultry,
which are eventually rendered as meat, dairy, and poultry products for
human consumption. Many cereals are used industrially in the
production of a wide range of substances, such as glucose,
adhesives, oils, and alcohols.
Corn, or maize, was originally domesticated in the Western
Hemisphere by Native Americans and was then carried to Europe by the
early explorers. It is a major crop cultivated in most temperate climates,
although the United States is the single largest producer. For human
consumption, corn is sold as a fresh vegetable or is canned or frozen.
The grain also is processed into a growing number of food products,
including corn flour, corn oil, corn syrup, and many other by-products. It
is a very important animal feed and is heavily used in the production
of cellulosic ethanol, a biofuel.
Rice (Oryza sativa) is the second largest cereal crop and is a staple food
in all areas of Asia. Unlike wheat, which is generally raised on large
farms and harvested mechanically, rice is usually grown on
small paddies and harvested by hand. Cultivation methods have changed
little over the centuries; the paddies are inundated with water, usually up
to about 15 cm (6 inches), then drained and dried just before harvest.
Most rice is milled for direct local consumption.
 RESULTS
How it is grown in Fiji?
Which part of Fiji grown?
Agriculture, along with forestry and fisheries contributes around 10% of the
country’s GDP and employs almost 2,000 Fijians (2010). The Fijian agriculture
sector is a mix of commercial and subsistence farming, although commercial
farming predominates. This industry was once the backbone of the Fiji’s economy
with sugarcane as the main crop. However, in recent years the government has
made steps to decrease the economy’s reliance on this crop by supporting the
production of other goods such as coconuts, bananas and cereals, with a focus on
supplying the tourism industry. As a result, non-sugarcane crops contributed
around three times more than that of sugar cane in 2010, although as a single
export sugar was the most profitable, generating US$37m. Agricultural land
accounts for 22.9% of total land area, largely flat fertile land in valleys, river deltas
and on the coastal plains.

(RICE CEREALS)

The majority of Fijian households grow both food and cash crops, alongside the
work of a wage earner. In the wet areas the dominant crops are coconuts, ginger,
cassava, taro, kava, bananas and breadfruit, along with poultry, pigs and cattle. In
the areas with intermediate rainfall, growers concentrate on vegetables, cocoa,
passion-fruit and maize, as well as some sorghum, potatoes and turmeric. The
sugarcane industry is managed by the government body the Fiji Sugar Corporation.
The sugar is largely grown in the drier north eastern side of the islands, by around
22,5000 small scale sugar farmers, each with an average of four or five hectares.
The other major cash crop is coconuts, grown both on estates and by smallholders,
largely exported in the form of copra. Root crops like taro and kava are also
important exports, whilst a new quarantine treatment facility has raised exports of
fresh fruit, which are sold largely to Japan and New Zealand.  Additionally, 1,000
tonnes of banana, mango and guava purees are exported annually, mainly to
Europe and Australia. At a federal level the Department of Agriculture is part of
the Ministry of Primary Industries.

(MAIZE CEREALS)

Major markets in Fiji for cereals

While restaurants, resorts and natural landscapes offer travelers a certain insight
into Fijian culture, there’s nothing quite like a local market to immerse oneself in
the ongoing of a community. Browse exotic wares, unusual handicrafts and foreign
curios as you wander through the stalls. Stop and chat with local Fijians, take in the
sights and sounds of the marketplace and find yourself a special token to remember
your time in Fiji.

ROC Market, Suva

On the third Sunday of every month visitors to Suva will find the ROC Market in
Dolphin Plaza. Boasting a wide array of arts, crafts, homemade food and cultural
handicrafts, visitors will enjoy the traditional dancers and musicians who entertain
the market goers throughout the day.

Nadi Produce Markets, Nadi

Located just off the main drag, the Nadi Produce Markets are abundant with fresh
flowers, fruit and vegetables. Grown locally, the produce is flavorful and healthy.
While the perishable foods can’t be brought home, this is a great taste of local
Fijian life and offers a short break from the resort experience.