Jasnita Ali, a 32-year-old backyard gardener, is set to expand her hydroponic farm to a commercial scale after receiving a grant of US$5,000 (approximately F$11,228.75) last week. The funding was awarded to her by the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) program during an event at the Hilton Fiji Resort on Denarau.
Ms. Ali intends to utilize the grant to enhance her business by purchasing additional materials to grow her infrastructure. “We aim to produce fresh, organic, chemical, and pesticide-free vegetables and sell them to consumers at a much lower price than what they currently pay,” she stated.
Her business, Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), is a small-scale hydroponic farming operation based in Chinakoti, Ba, which she launched in September 2022 in her backyard. Ms. Ali ventured into hydroponic farming after recognizing the high risks associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Fiji.
“It is essential for customers to adopt a healthy eating style that leads to an improved lifestyle,” she added. NFFS employs the Dutch Bucket System along with the Deep Flow Technique (DFT) in hydroponics to grow crops on a quarter-acre site.
The operation utilizes advanced technology, including an automated dosing system from Bluelab, to manage the hydroponic system effectively. “By cultivating various crops using hydroponics, we can supply fresh, healthy, chemical-free vegetables all year round,” Ms. Ali explained.
Additionally, she emphasizes inclusivity in her business practices by employing individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ community, and unemployed youth.
“In my previous experience as a traditional farmer, I faced numerous challenges related to crop production during flooding and drought. The hydroponic system allows us to grow a diverse range of vegetables without the constraints of changing climatic conditions,” she noted.
GIST provides intensive business training designed to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs in science and technology through practical training and mentoring from leading experts in the United States, in collaboration with local partners.