Divine Farm, situated in Verata, Tailevu, is not just focused on growing crops; it is actively creating opportunities within local communities. Managed by Divine Fijian Home Care, the farm currently nurtures an impressive 48,000 dalo plants and is developing a successful piggery. Its mission is to improve Fiji’s food supply and generate employment opportunities in rural areas.
Emosi Koroitamana, the farm’s director, highlights the value of community involvement. Divine Farm employs 12 individuals, consisting of three permanent staff and nine others in project-based positions. The farm marries traditional farming techniques with modern agricultural methods to produce high-quality, nutritious food. “We want to provide our senior citizens with top-notch pork and root crops, and we treat our staff like family,” Koroitamana stated, demonstrating a commitment to quality and a familial workplace culture.
Sitiveni Kalou, a representative from DFHC Fiji, shared that Divine Farm is looking beyond its current achievements. The farm has ambitious plans, including increasing production levels, improving soil health, and supporting various local initiatives. This comprehensive strategy highlights agriculture’s role not just in food security but also as a means to lift communities out of poverty.
The positive trajectory of Divine Farm reflects broader trends within Fiji’s agricultural sector, where various initiatives aim to empower rural farmers. For example, the New Valley Processors project in Nadi is designed to enhance market access for local farmers, showcasing a collective commitment to advancing the agricultural landscape in Fiji and ensuring farmers can fully participate in the national economy.
These encouraging developments signal a proactive shift towards agricultural self-sufficiency and resilience, instilling hope within local farming communities. By embracing sustainable practices and fostering productive agricultural methods, these initiatives aspire to build a vibrant future for Fiji’s agriculture, contributing to a more inclusive and empowered community of farmers.