A state-of-the-art Grow Plus greenhouse has been inaugurated in Kavala, Kadavu, becoming the first of its kind on the island and the fifth greenhouse established across Fiji. This $50,000 facility is equipped with automated irrigation systems, a water tank, and a pressure pump, and it aims to significantly enhance local agricultural productivity.
The greenhouse is the result of a collaborative effort between British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture, designed specifically to support local farmers by providing vegetable seedlings at no cost. With the ability to produce up to 5,000 seedlings each month, it can supply a staggering 50,000 seedlings annually. The focus will be on high-quality eggplant, chili, and tomato seedlings, known for their resilience and substantial yield.
James Goldring, the general manager of BAT Fiji, reported that the Grow Plus program, initiated in 2022, has already delivered approximately 2.6 million seedlings across the country, with expectations to provide an additional million in the current year. Goldring emphasized that the program also includes education for farmers on best agricultural practices, fostering better crop management throughout the season.
Tomasi Tunabuna, the Minister for Agriculture, underscored the greenhouse’s significance in the broader context of Fiji’s agricultural policies. He noted that the project supports the government’s objectives related to import substitution, market-driven agriculture, and innovations to tackle climate challenges. Tunabuna remarked that the Grow Plus initiative is aligned with the ministry’s 10-year non-sugar agriculture policy, aiding farmers in diversifying their income streams beyond traditional sugarcane cultivation.
The establishment of this greenhouse is seen as a pivotal step in empowering local farmers by ensuring they have reliable access to high-quality seedlings. This can lead to improved crop quality, reduced pest pressures, and more stable production throughout the harvesting seasons. To guarantee its effectiveness, the ministry plans to implement strict monitoring and evaluation measures to track the project’s impact on local farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole.
Tunabuna urged farmers to take advantage of this new resource, emphasizing its potential to enhance food security, create new income opportunities, and encourage exploration of export markets, ultimately contributing to a more resilient agricultural industry in Fiji.