Fresh Farm Fiji, located in Soisoi, Tabia in Labasa, has quickly become one of Vanua Levu’s leading egg suppliers, producing 150 to 180 trays daily — selling out each day and earning an average of $1,800 through sales to local markets and individual customers.
Farm owner Jashneel Sharma says the thriving poultry business is now feeding around three-quarters of Vanua Levu, with eggs distributed as far as Nabouwalu, Savusavu, and across Labasa.
He says they currently employ eight people and house 6,500 laying chickens along with over 3,000 chicks aged fifteen weeks.
The former dentist from Seaqaqa says everyone should have a side business to help them during difficult times, such as those experienced during COVID.
He says they are planning for the future with a feed mill under construction, set to be operational by the end of the year to reduce reliance on external suppliers, as currently the farm buys all its feed, which is a significant operating cost.
He adds that they plan to build a hatchery so Fresh Farm Fiji can breed and hatch their own chicks, making the farm fully self-sustaining.
Sharma says that despite the farm’s fast growth, they still face challenges, especially delays in getting approvals because key department offices are in Suva.
The total cost of the project is $500,000, partly funded by the Fiji Development Bank, the Government, and Sharma’s personal investment.
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