Farmers and women in the Western Division are turning underutilized, hilly backyards into flourishing small businesses. One standout example is 58-year-old sugarcane farmer Saleshni Devi, who has transformed her steep land into a productive farm. In an innovative approach to prevent waste and enhance income, she now processes perishable crops into a variety of value-added products. By diversifying her offerings, Devi is attracting customers beyond the traditional vegetable markets.
“I’ve got bongo chili. I make it into chili sauce. I’ve got lime on my farm, and I create lime pickles, lime chutneys, and lime spreads. I also have tamarind, from which I make tamarind chutney. I grow kumala, and I buy kumala from other farmers as well to create products like fries, nuggets, hash browns, and wedges. Additionally, I process bird’s eye chilies, which we call jhangli chili, giving it a longer shelf life,” Devi explained.
Devi is not only focused on her success but is also encouraging other women to start their own businesses by utilizing the resources and produce readily available in their homes and gardens. She has aspirations of seeing her products on supermarket shelves in the future. “I’m looking forward to expanding my business, as staying at a small scale is not sufficient. I want my products in supermarkets to reach a wider customer base,” she remarked.
European Union Ambassador to Fiji, Barbara Plinkert, emphasized their commitment to supporting local businesses through the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agri-Food Systems program. She stated, “The EU remains firmly committed to supporting Fiji’s agriculture sector. This aligns with the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy, which strongly emphasizes private sector development, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises.”
Despite the enthusiasm, entrepreneurs like Devi face challenges, particularly in accessing capital. Nevertheless, the support from initiatives like the EU program offers hope for their business growth and success, reflecting a positive shift towards sustainability and empowerment within the agricultural community.
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