Sri Lanka’s Aitken Spence launches game-changing farming project

Aitken Spence Plantation Managements PLC has announced a transformative agricultural initiative in Fiji, marking a new chapter in the island nation’s commercial farming sector.

The project, which builds on a successful exploratory mission in 2024, aims to modernise farming practices, introduce sustainable agro-technologies, and strengthen Fiji’s food security and export potential.

The initiative represents a strategic partnership between Sri Lanka’s renowned plantation expertise and Fiji’s rich agricultural landscape.

Aitken Spence is securing land in Nawaicoba, Nadi, to establish a pilot project focused on high-value horticultural and plantation crops such as papaya, pineapples, dragon fruit, berries, mangoes, coffee, tea, cinnamon, lime, and passion fruit.

“Fiji presents a wealth of opportunities for commercial farming” said Dr Rohan Fernando, board director of Aitken Spence Plantations.

“Our approach is comprehensive, combining innovation, sustainability and strong partnerships, with a focus not only on local consumption but on building export capabilities.”

The project will integrate advanced farming techniques with modern processing technologies, creating a scalable model for sustainable agriculture. It is expected to generate employment, uplift rural communities, and connect smallholder farmers to new markets.

From left: Aitken Spence Board Director Dr Rohan Fernando with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica.

Photo: Supplied

Facilitated by Investment Fiji, the initiative has received strong backing from the Ministry of Agriculture and other national stakeholders. Investment Fiji chief executive officer Kamal Chetty described the investment as a strategic success.

"Aitken Spence Plantation Managements PLC investment is a great accomplishment for Fiji, and it’s a strategic success we have been working on since early 2024. This project supports the Government's plan to grow our agriculture sector and achieve economic diversification,” Mr Chetty said.

He thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, for his support in making this investment possible, starting with his initial conversations to encourage the company to invest in Fiji.

“We are excited about the potential of this investment, especially in how it will lift our rural economy. It will bring new farming technology, create jobs, and offer crucial support to our smallholder farmers by connecting them to new markets. This is how we turn foreign investment into shared prosperity for all Fijians."

The collaboration is expected to reshape Fiji’s agricultural landscape, positioning the country as a regional leader in sustainable and export-oriented farming.