Jasnita Ali, a 32-year-old backyard gardener, is set to expand her hydroponic farming business to a commercial level after receiving a grant of US$5,000 (F$11,228.75) last week. The funding was awarded by the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) program during a ceremony at the Hilton Fiji Resort on Denarau.
Ali plans to utilize the grant for business expansion by purchasing additional materials to enhance her infrastructure. Her objective is to grow fresh, organic, and pesticide-free vegetables, which she intends to sell at lower prices than those currently offered to consumers.
Operating under the name Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), Ali’s small-scale hydroponics business is located in Chinakoti, Ba, where she began her venture in September 2022. Her decision to pursue hydroponic farming arose from concerns about the high risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevalent in the country.
Ali emphasized the importance of healthy eating for improving lifestyle choices. NFFS employs the Dutch Bucket System alongside the Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponics system to cultivate crops on a quarter-acre plot. The business incorporates advanced technology, including an automated dosing system from Bluelab, to operate its farming method.
By growing a variety of crops through hydroponics, Ali ensures a continuous supply of fresh, healthy, and chemical-free vegetables. She is committed to inclusivity by providing job opportunities to individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ community, and unemployed youth.
Ali shared her experiences as a traditional farmer, highlighting the challenges of crop production during extreme weather conditions such as flooding and drought. She noted that the hydroponic system allows for a diverse range of vegetables to be cultivated without the worries associated with climate change.