A significant advancement in agricultural productivity has been marked by the opening of a $50,000 greenhouse project in Kavala, Kadavu. This facility is fitted with an automated irrigation system, water tanks, and a pressure pump, enabling it to produce an impressive capacity of up to 5,000 vegetable seedlings each month, totaling 50,000 seedlings annually. The initiative represents a substantial boost for local agriculture in Kavala.
The greenhouse was inaugurated by British American Tobacco Fiji in collaboration with the Government and local communities, making it the fifth Grow Fast Remote Greenhouse project under their Grow Plus Programme. Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna emphasized that this facility will ensure farmers receive consistent, high-quality seedlings year-round, irrespective of climate variations, thereby diminishing the dependency on imported fresh produce. This move is expected to enhance local food security and generate new income opportunities for families.
Tunabuna remarked, “Greenhouses have the potential to help farmers grow consistent, high-quality seedlings, regardless of the climate. This will improve crop quality, reduce pest pressure, and help stabilize production throughout the season in Kavala.” He highlighted that the project aligns with the Government’s Non-Sugar 10-Year Agriculture Sector Policy, aimed at promoting agricultural diversification beyond sugarcane.
British American Tobacco General Secretary James Goldring noted that this new greenhouse is anticipated to provide over a million seedlings this year alone, further bolstering support for farmers in the southern regions of Fiji. The Grow Plus Programme continues to expand its greenhouse infrastructure throughout the country, with similar facilities already established in locations such as Nadarivatu, Taveuni, Lau, and Savusavu. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing agricultural practices and ensuring food resilience for local communities.