Divine Farm, located in Verata, Tailevu, is cultivating far more than just crops; it is sowing the seeds of opportunity within local communities. Operated by Divine Fijian Home Care, the farm boasts a significant quantity of 48,000 dalo plants and is developing a thriving piggery, all with the aim of enhancing Fiji’s food supply while generating employment in rural areas.
Emosi Koroitamana, the farm’s director, emphasizes the importance of community, revealing that Divine Farm currently employs 12 staff members—three on a permanent basis and nine who are engaged through project-based roles. The farm integrates traditional farming techniques with modern agricultural practices to ensure the production of delicious and nutritious food. “We want to give our senior citizens quality pork and root crops and we treat our staff like family,” Koroitamana states, reflecting a commitment to both quality and a familial approach to management.
According to Sitiveni Kalou, a representative from DFHC Fiji, the farm is not merely stopping with its current success; it has ambitious plans for the future. The long-term goals include boosting production levels, enhancing soil health, and supporting additional local initiatives. This holistic approach underscores the potential of agriculture to not only sustain food systems but also to forge pathways out of poverty and create vibrant communities.
The optimistic narrative surrounding Divine Farm aligns with broader initiatives within the Fijian agricultural landscape, where various projects are prioritizing the empowerment of rural farmers. Similar to the establishment of the New Valley Processors in Nadi—a project designed to facilitate market access for rural farmers—these concentrated efforts underscore a genuine commitment to advancing Fiji’s agricultural sector and ensuring farmers can engage meaningfully in the national economy.
Across the region, these promising developments illustrate a proactive shift towards self-sufficiency and resilience in agriculture, fostering hope for local farmers and their communities. By cultivating productive agricultural practices and encouraging sustainable methods, these initiatives aim to create a thriving agricultural future for Fiji, promoting a more inclusive and empowered farming community.