Divine Farm is on a mission to address Fiji’s pork shortage while enhancing the country’s food security through substantial agricultural development. Located in Verata, Tailevu, this farm, under the management of Divine Fijian Home Care, has expanded its operations beyond pigs to include significant dalo production, with approximately 48,000 dalo plants cultivated across its 56-acre commercial lease.
Emosi Koroitamana, the farm’s director, emphasizes the importance of sustainability and quality in their agricultural practices. The farm currently employs 12 individuals, including three permanent staff and nine on a project basis, focusing on various dalo varieties such as Bavia, Uro ni Vonu, Jabeni, and Belo. Koroitamana aims to provide flavorful foods, highlighting the role of quality manure and fertilizers in achieving tasty produce.
In alignment with Divine Farm’s vision, DFHC Fiji representative Sitiveni Kalou mentions the long-term goals of expanding production, enhancing soil health, and increasing local employment. He notes the farm’s commitment to community development, stating that over 20 projects have been supported within the Koroitamana’s home island over the past year.
This initiative is reflective of a broader trend in Fiji’s agricultural sector, paralleling other developments aimed at improving market access and empowering local farmers. Recent projects, like the establishment of processing facilities and cold storage capabilities in Nadi, aim to elevate the agricultural landscape by providing essential resources to farmers traditionally limited by geographical and infrastructural challenges.
The collaborative efforts within the agricultural community demonstrate a collective commitment to cultivating not just crops but also opportunities that foster resilience and prosperity for rural towns such as Verata. As these initiatives evolve, they pave the way for a sustainable future in Fiji’s farming sector, contributing to a stronger economy and a more food-secure nation.