VINAKA Farm, recognized as one of Fiji’s rapidly expanding agribusinesses, is making a significant transition from traditional open-field farming to more innovative facility agriculture through the development of 11 acres of greenhouses. Located in Navua, the farm commenced operations in 2020 on just 20 acres and has now expanded to 150 acres, positioning itself as one of the leading exporters of organic ginger to international markets, including Australia and New Zealand.
Xiaoli Liu, representing Vinaka Farm, explained that the recent decision to shift towards greenhouse agriculture was influenced by the unprecedented rainfall experienced in March and April last year, which greatly impacted their ginger yields as well as those of various farmers throughout Fiji. Faced with these challenges, Liu stated, “We decided to invest in greenhouses to protect our crops and ensure consistent supply to our international buyers.”
The introduction of greenhouse cultivation will enable VINAKA Farm to effectively manage environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, facilitating year-round production of ginger. Liu shared that they are currently experimenting with several vegetable varieties, including green beans, cowpeas, and radishes, during the first phase of their transition.
Furthermore, VINAKA Farm is not only focused on ginger but is also diversifying its offerings to include spices like turmeric and root crops such as taro. This move is aimed at enhancing the farm’s export potential while adopting climate-smart agricultural practices to attract high-value exports to Fiji.
Investment Fiji has acknowledged the importance of VINAKA Farm, noting its commitment to organic certification and the use of machinery for improved efficiency, all while providing local employment opportunities for planting and harvesting.
This shift towards facility agriculture reflects a broader trend within Fiji’s agribusiness sector, aligned with other significant advancements and investments aimed at improving agricultural processes and sustainability. Companies like Food Processors Fiji Ltd and New Valley Processors have also made investments to enhance processing capabilities and support local farmers, showcasing a collective effort within the industry to bolster food security and improve market access for rural communities.
Overall, VINAKA Farm’s proactive steps towards innovation and diversification, coupled with similar initiatives across Fiji, reflect a hopeful outlook for the country’s agricultural landscape. Such efforts not only promise enhanced productivity but also aim to empower local communities and create robust economic opportunities in the agriculture sector.
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