Backyard gardener Jasnita Ali, 32, intends to expand her hydroponic farm to a commercial level following the granting of a US$5,000 (F$11,228.75) award last week. The GIST (Global Innovation through Science and Technology) program presented Ms. Ali with the grant during a ceremony at Hilton Fiji Resort on Denarau on Wednesday.
Ms. Ali plans to utilize the funds to enhance her business by acquiring additional materials to expand its infrastructure. She emphasized the goal of producing fresh, organic, chemical, and pesticide-free vegetables to offer them to consumers at significantly lower prices than currently available in the market.
Her enterprise, Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), operates as a small-scale hydroponics farming business situated in Chinakoti, Ba, which she established in September 2022 in her backyard. Ms. Ali ventured into hydroponic farming due to the increasing risks associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevalent in the country.
She highlighted the importance of adopting a healthy diet for improved well-being. NFFS employs the Dutch Bucket System and the Deep Flow Nutrient (DFT) hydroponics method to cultivate crops on a quarter-acre of land. Utilizing innovative technology such as Bluelab’s automated dosing system, the farm enables the production of a variety of crops year-round, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, healthy, chemical-free vegetables.
Additionally, Ms. Ali’s business promotes inclusivity by employing individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ community, and unemployed youth. She shared the challenges faced as a traditional farmer, particularly during flooding and drought events, and noted that the hydroponic system allows for growing diverse vegetables without concern for climate fluctuations.
The GIST program focuses on fostering young science and technology innovators and entrepreneurs through intensive business training and mentorship from leading experts in the United States, in collaboration with local partners.