Good news for Fiji's commercial agriculture sector as Sri Lanka's leading manufacturers of premium tea, rubber, coconut, palm oil, and Ceylon cinnamon, Aitken Spence Plantation Managements PLC, has announced a landmark agricultural initiative in Fiji that is set to reshape our commercial farming landscape.
The company is now securing land in Nawaicoba, Nadi to establish a pilot project that will introduce high-potential horticultural and plantation crops including papaya, pineapples, dragon fruit, berries, mangoes, coffee, tea, cinnamon, lime and passion fruit.
Investment Fiji says the endeavour will combine cutting-edge farming practices with modern processing technologies to create an integrated model for large-scale, sustainable agriculture.
The project follows a successful exploratory mission in 2024, during which Aitken Spence’s delegation engaged with a broad spectrum of local stakeholders’ government ministries, cooperatives, plantation operators, farm owners, and food processors across Fiji.
Dr. Rohan Fernando, Board Director of Aitken Spence Plantations says their approach is comprehensive, combining innovation, sustainability and strong partnerships, with a focus not only on local consumption but on building export capabilities.
He says Fiji presents a wealth of opportunities for commercial farming. The initiative has been facilitated by Investment Fiji, with strong support from the Ministry of Agriculture and other national stakeholders.
As one of the country’s key agencies for promoting collaboration, Investment Fiji was instrumental in encouraging Aitken Spence Plantation Managements PLC to venture into Fiji’s agricultural sector, playing a pivotal role in connecting expertise and enabling the transfer of modern agricultural technologies that benefit the island nation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica had initially indicated to fijivillage News that this major commercial agriculture project was in the pipeline.
Kamal Chetty, Chief Executive Officer of Investment Fiji, highlighted the significance of the collaboration.
He says Aitken Spence Plantation Managements PLC investment is a great accomplishment for Fiji, and it’s a strategic success they have been working on since early 2024.
Chetty says this project supports the Government's plan to grow our agriculture sector and achieve economic diversification.
He thanked the Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica for his support in making this investment possible, starting with his initial conversations to encourage the company to invest in Fiji.
He says they are excited about the potential of this investment, especially in how it will lift our rural economy.
It will bring new farming technology, create jobs, and offer crucial support to our smallholder farmers by connecting them to new markets.
Investment Fiji says this strategic undertaking strengthens the partnership between Sri Lanka’s Plantation expertise and Fiji’s agricultural potential with the aim of modernising commercial farming, introducing sustainable agro-technology, and building pathways that enhance both local food security and export growth.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
