A new $50,000 Grow Plus greenhouse, featuring automated irrigation, a water tank, and a pressure pump, was officially inaugurated in Kavala, Kadavu. This facility represents the first of its kind on the island and the fifth greenhouse established in Fiji.
The initiative, a collaboration between British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to produce vegetable seedlings at no cost for local farmers. With the capacity to generate 5,000 seedlings each month, the greenhouse can supply up to 50,000 seedlings annually, focusing on producing high-quality eggplant, chili, and tomato seedlings noted for their resilience and yield.
James Goldring, the general manager of BAT Fiji, announced that the Grow Plus program, which began in 2022, has already provided around 2.6 million seedlings nationwide, with an additional million seedlings anticipated for this year. Goldring emphasized the program’s comprehensive support for farmers, which includes education on best agricultural practices throughout the crop season.
Minister for Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna, highlighted the project’s broader significance. He pointed out that the greenhouse aligns with government goals for import substitution, market-driven agriculture, and climate innovation. Tunabuna stated that the Grow Plus initiative supports the ministry’s 10-year non-sugar agriculture policy by helping farmers diversify their income beyond sugarcane production.
The greenhouse is envisioned to empower farmers by providing consistent access to high-quality seedlings, which can enhance crop quality, mitigate pest pressures, and potentially stabilize production across the seasonal cycle. To ensure the project’s long-term success, the ministry will implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes to assess its impact on local farmers and the agricultural landscape.
Tunabuna encouraged farmers to leverage this new resource to bolster food security, create income opportunities, and explore export options, promoting a more resilient agricultural sector in Fiji.