A $30,000 greenhouse nursery established through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji will benefit 700 farmers in the Nadarivatu area.
As the first greenhouse project under BAT Fiji’s Grow+ program, the nursery has an automated irrigation system that can grow 5000 vegetable seedlings per month.
“The seedlings from this greenhouse will enhance crop yields for farmers. In addition, BAT Fiji has been training farmers on germinating seeds and taking proper care of seedlings which will greatly assist our farmers,” said Agriculture and Waterways Minister Vatimi Rayalu.
“BAT Fiji has become an integral partner of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways in actively assisting our farmers. The flagship social project Grow+ launched last year is making a significant impact on this vital sector.
“This will help the farmers improve their livelihoods and tap into potential export opportunities and import substitution, which also supports the Government’s development plans and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
BAT Fiji general manager Sam Dormor said he company would make a positive social impact on more than 27,000 Fijians annually through the Grow+ project .
“In 2022, BAT Fiji distributed 150,000 vegetable seedlings to farmers. However, the Grow+ project has expanded this to 500,000 seedlings in 2023, with a goal of reaching one million by 2024,” he said.
