FROM the lush vegetation of Navolau No 1 to the ballroom of the Grand Pacific Hotel, Alena Berauwa’s green thumb has earned her an award.
The 38-year-old mother of five was named Nursery Farmer of the Year at the Women in Agriculture Symposium, proving that big dreams can grow from small seeds.
Inspired by the natural beauty of her home in Ra, Mrs Berauwa turned her appreciation for the land into a thriving business.
“Living in a place surrounded by God’s creation, it inspired me to take up farming and encouraged me to make good use of it,” Mrs Berauwa said.
What began in 2023 with sandalwood seedlings has quickly blossomed into a diverse operation.
“I started my nursery farm in 2023, with nursing sandalwood seedlings.”
“Now I am also nursing all types of fruit trees, native trees, and also mangrove seedlings.”
My main market is the Ministry of Forestry and Ministry of Agriculture, says Mrs Berauwa.
She aspires to expand nationally with her brand, Alena’s Nursery, supplying all parts of Fiji with trees.
“I’m planning to scale up Alena’s Nursery to Fiji wide,”
As she celebrated her win, Mrs Berauwa urged all women to take up farming, for self-development and for sustainability due to the growing crisis in the Middle East.
“Due to the world crisis, I ask all women to take up farming, of any sort, start small and you’ll grow, just like my trees,” Mrs Berauwa said.
