Jasnita Ali, a 32-year-old backyard gardener, is set to expand her hydroponic farming operation into a commercial venture following the receipt of a $5,000 grant. The funding, awarded by the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) program, was presented to Ms. Ali at the Hilton Fiji Resort on Denarau last week.
Ms. Ali plans to utilize the grant to enhance her business by purchasing additional materials and expanding her infrastructure. She emphasized her goal to provide fresh, organic, and pesticide-free vegetables to consumers at competitive prices compared to current market rates.
Her business, Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), is a small hydroponic operation based in Chinakoti, Ba, which she launched in September 2022. Ms. Ali was motivated to start hydroponic farming due to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country and the importance of a healthy diet for improving lifestyles.
NFFS employs innovative farming techniques such as the Dutch Bucket System and Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponics to cultivate crops on a quarter-acre of land. The operation utilizes advanced technology, including an automated dosing system from Bluelab, allowing for a continuous supply of fresh and healthy vegetables throughout the year.
In addition to promoting health and sustainability, Ms. Ali’s farm is committed to inclusivity by hiring individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ community, and unemployed youth. She noted the challenges traditional farmers face with unpredictable weather conditions, stating that hydroponics allows for successful vegetable production regardless of climate changes.
The GIST program provides intensive business training to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs in science and technology, delivering hands-on training and mentorship from top U.S. experts in collaboration with local partners.