Jasnita Ali, a 32-year-old backyard gardener, is set to scale up her hydroponic farm following a grant of US$5,000 (F$11,228.75) awarded last week. The funding, provided by the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) program, was presented to Ms. Ali at the Hilton Fiji Resort on Denarau on Wednesday.
Ms. Ali indicated that the grant will be used to enhance her business by purchasing additional materials to expand the infrastructure. “We aim to produce fresh, organic, chemical and pesticide-free vegetables and sell them to consumers at a much lower price than currently available,” she stated.
Her business, Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), is a small-scale hydroponics venture based in Chinakoti, Ba, which she launched in September 2022. She decided to pursue hydroponic farming due to the rising risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
“It is vital for customers to choose a healthy eating style that results in improved lifestyle,” she emphasized. NFFS employs the Dutch Bucket System alongside the Deep Flow Technique (DFT) to cultivate crops on a quarter-acre plot.
Ms. Ali also utilizes advanced technology, including an automated dosing system from Bluelab, to manage their operations. “Growing various crops in the hydroponic system allows for a year-round supply of fresh, healthy, chemical-free vegetables,” she said, highlighting her commitment to inclusivity by employing individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ community, and unemployed youth.
Furthermore, she shared the challenges traditional farmers face, noting that her hydroponic setup mitigates issues caused by flooding and drought, enabling diverse vegetable growth regardless of climate fluctuations.
The GIST Startup training program aims to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs in science and technology by providing intensive business training and mentorship from leading US experts, in collaboration with local partners.