Woman farmer receives $11k grant
“We aim to produce fresh, organic, chemical and pesticide-free vegetables and sell them to the end consumers at a much cheaper price than what consumers are paying now,” she said.
Tuesday 13 August 2024 | 13:29
From left: Van medical Labs representative Arveen Chandra, Jasnita Ali and Venture Well programme officer Kelly Bedeian. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Backyard gardener Jasnita Ali, 32, plans to upgrade her hydroponic farm to a commercial scale after receiving a US$5000 (F$11,228.75) grant last week.
Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) programme awarded Ms Ali the grant at Hilton Fiji Resort on Denarau on Wednesday.
“It will be used to upscale the business in terms of buying more materials to expand the infrastructure,” Ms Ali said.
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“We aim to produce fresh, organic, chemical and pesticide-free vegetables and sell them to the end consumers at a much cheaper price than what consumers are paying now,” she said.
Ms Ali’s company Nature’s Farm Fresh Supplies (NFFS), is a small-scale hydroponics farming business located in Chinakoti, Ba.
She started her business in September 2022 in her Ba backyard.
Ms Ali got into hydroponic farming after taking into consideration the high risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
“It is vital for customers to choose a healthy eating style which will result in improved lifestyle.”
NFFS uses the concept of the Dutch Bucket System together with the (Deep deep-flown nutrient technique (DFT) hydroponics system to cultivate crops on its one-quarter land parcel.
“We use innovative technology such as the automated dosing system from Bluelab to run our system,” the mother of one added.
“Growing varieties of crops in the hydroponics system allows for year-round supply of fresh, healthy, chemical-free vegetables,” she said.
“We ensure that there is inclusiveness as we employ people with disabilities, LGBTIQ communities, including unemployed youths,” Ms Ali said.
“From where my business is based, as a traditional farmer, I had faced a lot of difficulties with crop production during times of flooding and drought.
“With the hydroponic system in force, a different variety of vegetables can be grown without having to worry about the change in climate.”
About GIST
GIST Startup training is an in-country intensive business training course designed to empower young science and technology innovators and entrepreneurs through hands-on training and mentoring delivered by top US experts conducted in partnerships with in-country ecosystem partners.
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