The village of Soliyaga on Beqa Island are now able to produce their own organic fertiliser for their teitei (farms/gardens) after building their first composting facility – a three-compartment model measuring about nine square meters, including the shelter, with a capacity of over two cubic tonnes of compost.

This is an initial level of application for the BLI Organic Farming Program – aiming to apply sustainable farming practices that entail organic farming methods, horticultural diversification and achieve increased community nutritional and economic benefit for Beqa Lagoon.

Soliyaga produces 50% of tomatoes exported from Beqa Island, and the village farmers have a costly demand for fertilisers. Creating their own organic and locally produced fertiliser will help improve soil and produce state and lower operational costs. This is a great step towards better living – a huge vinaka vakalevu to the community of Soliyaga village for being future-minded!

Also a massive thank you to Australia in Fiji, this work is partly made possible through the Australian High Commission Direct Aid Program (DAP).