The people of Moala Island in Lau have so many reasons to celebrate after the opening of a greenhouse nursery last week.
In officiating at the event, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna said that the greenhouse, which was funded by the British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji, will support around 300 farmers in the eight villages.
"This is the third Grow+ Greenhouse that BAT Fiji has constructed in remote areas around the country. It is encouraging to note the huge assistance from organizations such as BAT Fiji and I truly applaud their whole vision behind setting up these facilities which will assist the villagers in food and income security," explained Hon. Tunabuna.
"The greenhouse will supply fruit and vegetable seedlings for close to 300 farmers in the villages of Naroi, Vunuku, Keteira, Nasoki, Cakova, Maloku, Nuku and Vadra. You will now be able to plant healthy fruits and vegetables to also supply your families with much-needed fresh and nutritious meals."
"BAT Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways have been working in close collaboration with a clear vision to increase agricultural production. I would like to commend BAT Fiji for the significant investment that they have made through their flagship social investment project called Grow+."
"This remote greenhouse facility was built at a total cost of more than $62,000.00 and includes a solar system that powers the automated irrigation system with its own water tank and pressure pump."
"Our farmers in Moala will be proud of this remarkable greenhouse facility which is located in Naroi making it easier for farmers to access fruit and vegetable seedlings with a low mortality rate. Most importantly, without having to endure the long wait for shipping services to bring seedlings to this remote part of our country. This is an exciting opportunity for our farmers to be able to plant more agricultural produce for subsistence farming and for those who will sell this to make a living. In addition to the 300 farmers in Moala, we hope these seedlings will be able to reach other neighboring villages in the Lau Group'' Hon. Tunabuna added.
BAT Fiji has already distributed 500,000 seedlings to farmers in Viti Levu through the Grow+ program in 2023 and this year, they aim to distribute one million seedlings.
The company hopes to invest in two more remote greenhouse facilities namely in Savusavu and Kadavu to increase its reach to farmers across the country.