Jasnita Ali, a 32-year-old backyard gardener, is set to expand her hydroponic farm to a commercial level thanks to a $5,000 grant she received last week. The grant was awarded by the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) program at the Hilton Fiji Resort in Denarau on Wednesday.
Ali plans to use the funds to enhance her business by purchasing additional materials and expanding her infrastructure. “We aim to produce fresh, organic, chemical and pesticide-free vegetables and sell them to consumers at much lower prices than they are currently paying,” she explained.
Her venture, Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), is a small-scale hydroponics operation located in Chinakoti, Ba. Ali launched her business in September 2022 in her backyard, motivated by the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
“It is essential for customers to adopt a healthy eating lifestyle, which contributes to an improved quality of life,” she noted. NFFS employs the Dutch Bucket System along with the Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponics system to cultivate crops on a quarter-acre site.
“We utilize innovative technology, such as the automated dosing system from Bluelab, to manage our operations,” added Ali, a mother of one. “Growing various crops in the hydroponics system allows us to provide a year-round supply of fresh, healthy, chemical-free vegetables.”
Ali emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in her business, as she hires individuals from the disabled community, LGBTIQ groups, and unemployed youths. She mentioned facing many challenges as a traditional farmer, particularly during floods and droughts. However, with the hydroponic system in place, she can grow a wider variety of vegetables without being affected by changing climatic conditions.
The GIST program offers intensive in-country training designed to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs in science and technology through hands-on learning and mentorship from experts in the United States, developed in collaboration with local partners.