Jasnita Ali, a 32-year-old backyard gardener, is set to expand her hydroponic farm to a commercial level after receiving a grant of $5,000 (F$11,228.75) last week. The funding was awarded to her by the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) program during a ceremony at the Hilton Fiji Resort in Denarau on Wednesday.
Ms. Ali plans to utilize the grant to enhance her business by acquiring additional materials to expand her farming infrastructure. She expressed her goal of producing fresh, organic vegetables that are free from chemicals and pesticides, aiming to offer them to consumers at lower prices than currently available in the market.
Her business, Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), is a small-scale hydroponics operation based in Chinakoti, Ba, which she started in September 2022 in her backyard. Ms. Ali was driven to pursue hydroponic farming due to the rising concerns over non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of healthy eating for lifestyle improvements.
NFFS implements the Dutch Bucket System alongside the Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponics system, allowing for sustainable cultivation on a quarter-acre of land. Ms. Ali highlighted the use of innovative technology, including an automated dosing system from Bluelab, to manage the farming operations efficiently.
By growing a variety of crops through hydroponics, NFFS is able to provide a consistent supply of fresh, healthy, and chemical-free vegetables year-round. Additionally, Ms. Ali is committed to inclusivity in her hiring practices, providing opportunities to individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ community, and unemployed youth.
Reflecting on her experience as a traditional farmer, she noted the challenges posed by flooding and drought, stating that hydroponics allows for the cultivation of diverse vegetable varieties without the risk associated with climate changes.
The GIST program offers intensive business training designed to equip young innovators and entrepreneurs in science and technology with practical skills and mentorship from leading experts in the field.