In the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Fiji, a postgraduate student at the Fiji National University is exploring how locally grown produce can be used to develop healthier food alternatives for Fijian families.
26-year-old Food Science and Technology student Prathna Vikash has developed Wananavu Pasta, a sweet potato-based pasta concept aimed at encouraging healthier food choices while supporting local agriculture.
Vikash says the idea was inspired by the rising rates of NCDs in Fiji, particularly diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
She says pasta is a convenient meal option for busy working families, and she wanted to explore how a familiar food could be developed using locally grown sweet potatoes.
Through Wananavu Pasta, Vikash hopes to demonstrate how food innovation can help encourage people to make more conscious decisions about what they eat.
She says the project was developed as part of her postgraduate research in Food Science and Technology and is not currently available for commercial sale.
However, Vikash hopes to see the product reach the market one day, making it accessible to more Fijian families.
She is also encouraging people to embrace locally grown produce and consider the role everyday food choices play in maintaining good health.
Vikash says awareness, education and prevention are important in working towards a healthier future for Fiji.
