Divine Farm is addressing the pork shortage in Fiji while also focusing on bolstering the nation’s agricultural landscape through large-scale farming initiatives. Situated in Verata, Tailevu, the farm is under the management of Divine Fijian Home Care and has expanded its operations beyond pig farming to include significant dalo production, planting approximately 48,000 crops across its 56-acre commercial lease.
Emosi Koroitamana, the director of Divine Farm, highlights the farm’s commitment to providing high-quality and sustainable food sources for the community. “When our senior citizens come, we want to provide them with quality pork and nutritious root crops and vegetables, carefully considering the use of manure and fertilizer to enhance flavor,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of agricultural practices in food quality.
Currently, Divine Farm employs 12 workers, comprising three permanent staff and nine on a project basis. The farm focuses on various dalo varieties including Bavia, Uro ni Vonu, Jabeni, and Belo, with plans to inspire more individuals to explore farming, both in piggery and root crop cultivation.
According to Sitiveni Kalou, a representative from DFHC Fiji, Divine Farm aims to expand production, improve soil health, and provide job opportunities to boost local economies. Kalou noted the extensive support provided for over 20 different projects, underlining a commitment to developing the home island of the Koroitamana family.
The farm’s initiatives are a part of a growing trend in Fiji’s agricultural sector, where local farmers are increasingly focused on sustainable practices that promote community welfare and economic resilience. Similar efforts across the nation include investments in processing and cold storage facilities, which help enhance market access for rural farmers. These developments not only support local agriculture but also aim to create a more inclusive economy.
By continuing to invest in agriculture and local communities, Divine Farm exemplifies how purposeful farming can generate positive change, providing not just food, but futures for people in Verata and beyond. The endeavors taken by Divine Farm and others in the sector signal a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s agricultural landscape, paving the way towards greater self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Leave a comment