The agricultural community of Moala Island in Lau has recently witnessed a significant milestone with the inauguration of a new greenhouse nursery. This facility, funded by British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji, marks the third greenhouse under the company’s Grow+ program, specifically designed to support farmers in remote regions.
The opening ceremony, officiated by the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna, highlighted the importance of this development for the island’s agricultural sector. The greenhouse is set to benefit approximately 300 farmers from eight villages, including Naroi, Vunuku, Keteira, and Nasoki.
“This initiative by BAT Fiji demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing food and income security for these communities. The provision of healthy fruit and vegetable seedlings will not only improve the nutritional intake for families but also create opportunities for income generation,” stated Hon. Tunabuna.
The Grow+ Greenhouse on Moala Island is a state-of-the-art facility built at a cost of over $62,000. It includes a solar-powered automated irrigation system, complete with its own water tank and pressure pump. This technology ensures that farmers have access to seedlings with a low mortality rate, reducing their reliance on external supplies that are often delayed due to the island’s remote location.
The greenhouse is strategically located in Naroi, making it accessible for farmers across Moala Island. The initiative aims to enable subsistence farming and commercial agriculture by providing a consistent supply of quality seedlings. This not only enhances local food security but also opens up new economic opportunities for farmers in the region.
The project is part of BAT Fiji’s broader Grow+ program, which has already distributed 500,000 seedlings to farmers on Viti Levu in 2023 alone. The company has ambitious plans to distribute one million seedlings this year and expand its reach further with additional greenhouses in other remote locations such as Savusavu and Kadavu.
Hon. Tunabuna praised the collaboration between BAT Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, emphasizing that such partnerships are crucial for increasing agricultural production and supporting the livelihoods of farmers in Fiji’s remote areas. “This greenhouse is not just a facility; it represents a brighter future for our farmers, enabling them to produce more and contribute to their communities’ well-being,” he added.
As Moala Island begins to reap the benefits of this investment, there is optimism that the impact will extend beyond its borders to other islands in the Lau Group. This initiative sets a precedent for how targeted investments in agricultural infrastructure can drive sustainable development in remote communities.
