Backyard gardener Jasnita Ali, 32, is set to expand her hydroponic farm into a commercial venture after receiving a grant of US$5,000 (approximately F$11,228.75) last week. The grant was awarded by the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) program during a ceremony at the Hilton Fiji Resort on Denarau.
Ms. Ali stated that the funding will be utilized to enhance her business by acquiring additional materials necessary for expanding the infrastructure. “We aim to produce fresh, organic, chemical and pesticide-free vegetables and offer them to consumers at a significantly lower price than what they currently pay,” she explained.
Her business, Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), is a small-scale hydroponics farm located in Chinakoti, Ba. Ms. Ali started the venture in September 2022 from her backyard in Ba. She was motivated to pursue hydroponic farming due to the high risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevalent in the country.
“It is essential for customers to adopt a healthier eating style, which can lead to an improved lifestyle,” she noted. NFFS employs the Dutch Bucket System alongside the Deep Flow Technique (DFT) for hydroponics, cultivating crops on a quarter-acre of land.
“We implement innovative technology such as the automated dosing system from Bluelab to manage our operations,” added Ms. Ali, who is also a mother. “By growing various crops in the hydroponic system, we can ensure a year-round supply of fresh, healthy, chemical-free vegetables.”
In addition to focusing on sustainability, Ms. Ali is committed to inclusivity, employing individuals with disabilities, members of LGBTIQ communities, and unemployed youth. She reflected on the challenges traditional farmers face, citing difficulties with crop production during floods and droughts. “With the hydroponic system in place, a range of vegetables can be cultivated without concern for climate variability.”
The GIST program also offers training designed to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs in science and technology with hands-on support and mentoring from leading experts from the U.S.