For Avinash Singh, establishing a fish and prawn farm was never entirely about running a solo commercial enterprise.
It was also about turning years of experience into something that could help grow the aquaculture in Fiji.
The chief executive of Growa Fish Fiji Limited started the business in 2017 on a 25-acre farm outside the riverside township of Navua after years of working in aquaculture across the Pacific.
“It had always been part of my vision to be in aquaculture,” Singh said.
“It’s not an easy industry, but I wanted to show that, with support and a bit of perseverence, it could work.”
Today, the farm breeds and supplies freshwater prawns and tilapia to local customers, hotels and wholesalers while also helping train interested farmers alongside the Ministry of Fisheries.
Singh says Fiji still imports large amounts of breedable aquatic animals, creating an opportunity for his company to fill the gap.
“We hope to become one of the larger commercial producers and contribute to reducing imports,” he said.
His business journey has not been without setbacks.
Rising fuel prices, expensive animal feed and cheaper imported products, among others, have all placed pressure on local farmers.
The business had to adapt after the COVID-19 pandemic by investing in processing and packaging so it could sell directly to customers. Despite the challenges, Singh is looking ahead with an air of positivity.
By the end of this year, the farm will expand from 10 to 20 ponds, with plans to grow even bigger.
“The aquaculture industry can’t be a one-man team,” he said.
“If we can teach others, innovate and keep improving, then the whole industry can grow.”
Currently, Fiji spends $21m on prawn imports.
For Singh, success in the future would mean more job creation, the number of farmers supported and the belief that Fiji can produce more for its own food needs to reduce its imports.
- More on this story in this weekend’s copy of The Sunday Times.
