Jasnita Ali, a 32-year-old backyard gardener, is set to expand her hydroponic farm to a commercial level following a grant of US$5,000 (F$11,228.75) awarded last week. The grant was presented to Ms. Ali by the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) programme at the Hilton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island on Wednesday.
Ms. Ali stated that the funds will be utilized to enhance her business by acquiring materials necessary for expanding the infrastructure. “We aim to produce fresh, organic vegetables that are free from chemicals and pesticides, selling them to consumers at a more affordable price than what is currently available,” she explained.
Her business, Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), is a small-scale hydroponics operation located in Chinakoti, Ba, which she established in September 2022 at her backyard in Ba. Driven by the alarming rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country, Ms. Ali ventured into hydroponic farming.
“It is crucial for customers to adopt a healthier diet, which can lead to an improved lifestyle,” she emphasized. NFFS employs the Dutch Bucket System along with the Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponics system to cultivate crops on a quarter-acre of land.
“We incorporate innovative technologies such as the automated dosing system from Bluelab to manage our operations,” she added. Ms. Ali highlighted that the hydroponic system enables a diverse range of vegetables to be grown year-round, providing fresh and healthy produce devoid of chemicals.
“We are committed to inclusivity by employing individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ community, and unemployed youth,” she noted. Reflecting on her experiences as a traditional farmer, Ms. Ali mentioned the challenges faced during floods and droughts. With her hydroponic system, she can cultivate various vegetables without the concern of climate changes affecting production.
The GIST programme offers startup training, an intensive business course designed to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs in science and technology through practical training and mentorship from leading experts in the United States, in collaboration with local partners.