A $50,000 Grow Plus greenhouse was launched yesterday in Kavala, Kadavu, marking a significant advancement as the first of its kind on the island and the fifth across Fiji. This initiative, a collaboration between British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to support local farmers by providing vegetable seedlings at no cost.
The greenhouse is equipped with automated irrigation, a water tank, and a pressure pump, allowing it to produce up to 5,000 seedlings monthly and 50,000 seedlings annually. The facility focuses on high-demand crops such as eggplants, chilies, and tomatoes, which are noted for their strong yields and low mortality rates.
James Goldring, general manager of BAT Fiji, highlighted the success of the Grow Plus program, which was initiated in 2022 and has already delivered about 2.6 million seedlings across the nation, with plans to distribute an additional million this year. He stated, “Our operations provide support to farmers from the beginning to the end of the crop season each year, including educating and upskilling farmers on the best agricultural practices. We believe this has the potential to make a significant impact on the agriculture sector.”
Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna stressed the project’s wide-reaching impact on the country’s agricultural framework. He noted that the greenhouse aligns with government goals for import substitution, market-driven agriculture, and climate innovation. The Grow Plus initiative supports the ministry’s 10-year non-sugar agriculture policy, aiming to help farmers diversify their income beyond traditional sugarcane.
“The Grow Plus greenhouse, when utilised correctly, has the potential to enable farmers to produce consistent, high-quality seedlings regardless of the climate. This will improve crop quality, reduce infestation pressures, and stabilize production throughout the season,” he remarked.
To ensure the sustainability of the project, the ministry will implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes to assess the initiative’s impact on local farmers. Mr. Tunabuna encouraged farmers to leverage this opportunity to enhance food security, create income avenues, and explore potential export markets.
This positive development signifies a hopeful step towards empowering local farmers and strengthening the agricultural industry in Fiji.
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