A new organic manure brand expects to hit the market in the coming weeks.

Ram Sami and Sons (Fiji) Pte Fiji Limited, believed to be the first Pacific company to manufacture organic manure, said the manure would hit the market shelves next month.

The company is eyeing regional targets for export purposes.

The announcement on Tuesday was hailed by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport.

The company received certification for its Fijian Made Organic brand of manure.

Ram Sami and Sons’ Premier Coconut Cream also received Fijian Made certification.

Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Shaheen Ali, urged the company to capitalise on the growing linkages with Pacific Island countries.

“It’s time Pacific Island countries add value to what we already have as a product for the market,” he said.

“We are known for coconuts, fish, and more – thus the significance of adding value.”

An additional 60 staff were hired as the company ventured into broiler chicken farming and canned chicken curry.

Organic Manure
Ram Sami has two types of manufactured manure – pellet and mesh.

Otherwise known as proceed manure, it is deemed more environmentally- friendly, as the world moves to a more organic approach of farming.

Ram Sami and Sons has a high amount of manure discharged from its poultry farms.

Hygienically, developing the manure into the proceed stage makes it more agreeable of a product for farmers, said Quality Assurance Officer, Shivanjaly Sami.

Ram Sami and Sons pellet manure is still being trialled, said Business Development Manager, Abdul Shameer, said.

Coconut Cream
Ram Sami and Sons is working with five commercial coconut farmers to boost their Premier brand of coconut cream.

“We work with farmers from Kiuva, Taveuni, and Labasa to collect coconuts,” Ms Sami said.

However, the costing was one of the challenges, Mr Shameer, said.

He said some farmers were also hesitant to engage in such commercial activities.

In 1970
A 100 per cent Fijian owned company, Ram Sami and Sons was incorporated in 1970 as a leading egg producer and distributor of locally- farmed eggs.

In 2005, the company was restructured, as the company became a Fiji-registered private company, as the new name change reflected.

Ram Sami and Sons has:
• three laying farms,

• one brooding and rearing farm,

• three broiler farms, and

• a feed mill.

• The company’s workforce is in excess of 400 workers.

A feedmill and sales and distribution centre is located at: Makoi, Nasinu, Votualevu, Nadi, Vitogo, Lautoka.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj