Jasnita Ali, a 32-year-old backyard gardener, is set to expand her hydroponic farm into a commercial venture following the receipt of a $5,000 grant. The funding was awarded to her through the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) program during a ceremony held at the Hilton Fiji Resort on Denarau last Wednesday.
Ms. Ali plans to utilize the grant to enhance her business by purchasing additional materials to broaden its infrastructure. She expressed her objectives, stating, “We aim to produce fresh, organic, chemical and pesticide-free vegetables and sell them to consumers at much lower prices than what they currently pay.”
Her company, Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), operates as a small-scale hydroponic farm in Chinakoti, Ba. Ms. Ali commenced her business in September 2022 from her backyard.
Motivated by the high incidences of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in her country, Ms. Ali turned to hydroponic farming. She emphasized the importance of healthy eating habits for improving lifestyles.
NFFS employs the Dutch Bucket System and Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponics system to cultivate crops on a quarter-acre of land. Ms. Ali mentioned, “We use innovative technology such as the automated dosing system from Bluelab to manage our operations.”
The farm provides a consistent supply of a variety of fresh, healthy, chemical-free vegetables throughout the year. Inclusivity is a core value of NFFS, as they actively hire individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ community, and unemployed youth.
Reflecting on her past experiences as a traditional farmer, Ms. Ali revealed the challenges posed by flooding and drought. She noted that the hydroponic system allows for the cultivation of various vegetables regardless of climate changes.
The GIST Startup training program offers intensive business training in various countries, aimed at empowering young innovators and entrepreneurs in science and technology through hands-on mentoring from top experts in the United States, in collaboration with local partners.