The Grow+ program has achieved a remarkable milestone with the successful distribution of one million seedlings to farmers across Fiji. At a celebration held in Nadi this week, Esrom Immanuel, the Minister for Finance, Commerce, and Business Development, highlighted the accomplishment as a reflection of the exceptional dedication from farmers and the collaborative efforts between British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.
Minister Immanuel expressed pride in the initiative’s impact, noting that around 30,000 lives have benefitted thus far, creating a positive ripple effect throughout rural communities. Launched in 2021, the Grow+ program has emerged as one of the most significant seedling distribution initiatives in Fiji, supplying resilient varieties of crops such as eggplant, chillies, and tomatoes to the agricultural sector.
While tourism is often viewed as the backbone of Fiji’s economy, Immanuel emphasized that agriculture has proven to be the nation’s most resilient sector, particularly during challenging times, such as the recent pandemic. He remarked, “Agriculture kept food on the tables and incomes flowing while tourism stood still, demonstrating that while tourism drives growth in prosperous times, agriculture sustains us constantly.”
In conjunction with this milestone, BAT Fiji has introduced new environmental measures at its Leaf Division in line with its sustainability initiatives. General Manager James Goldring announced the installation of solar panels at their factory to decrease reliance on the national electricity grid. This initiative follows a successful transition earlier in 2023, where curing barns shifted from fossil fuel dependence to a method utilizing wood waste.
Goldring described these advancements as part of BAT Fiji’s broader commitment to sustainability. Minister Immanuel praised the partnership model between the Government and BAT Fiji, calling it a model for agricultural business that exemplifies the sector’s potential when innovation combines with dedication. He concluded by stating that the successful outcomes of such collaborations showcase the progress that can be achieved when government, industry, and local communities work together in harmony.
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