EVERY year millions of dollars of agro-produce are imported to fulfil the demands of the hotel industry. Some of the commodities in high demand are broccoli, zucchini, capsicum, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, watermelons and pineapples.
Most of these agro-produces are imported but some local farmers and backyard gardeners are taking advantage of this market.
One such producer utilising the backyard is Mr Dulare Autar (53) of Navua -- a civil servant who has been serving with the Agriculture Department for many years.
Being in Agriculture, he is always trying new commodities.
"I went to New Zealand in March and there I really admired the broccoli. It was great in taste and instantly I made up my mind to do a trial in my backyard," said Mr Autar.
He has planted capsicum, tomatoes, lettuce, cowpea -- even zucchini -- in his small area of land and almost all the veggies have been success stories.
When he came back from overseas he searched for broccoli seeds and bought it from Hop Tiy at $3.10 per packet. Although this was just a trial he bought ten packets, because he belie-ved it was going to work. There were about 45-50 seeds in a packet.
Mr Autar germinated the seeds in plastic bags because raising seedlings that way gives 100 per cent chance of crops growing after transplanting into prepared land.
He said when seeds are raised in bags they also allow water to efficiently drain out and while germinating the seeds get enough space, water and nutrients.
Raising in plastic bags can yield an average of 10 metric tonnes per hectare but without the bag system the yield is 7-8 metric tonnes per hectare.
After three weeks the broccoli was transplanted. Another advantage of using plastic bags for seed germination is that while transplanting the roots of seedlings are not damaged, and easy to manage.
"I was very excited to try out this new commodity because it is one of my hobbies and I am passionate about farming," he said proudly.
As per instructions on the seed packet he planted them at a spacing of 0.6 m between the rows and 0.4m within the rows.
"It took around five months for the crop to get ready and I made sure to use safe farming practices so it could reach its full growth," he said.
Mr Autar said manure and fertiliser were applied on a timely basis.
"Initially I used poultry manure, then N.P.K and Folifert as the plant grew. Also timely weeding and watering was ongoing," he said.
"I have grown zucchini successfully in my backyard but broccoli is an even more delicate crop, so every day I was in my backyard to admire and nurture its growth," Mr Autar said.
Broccoli is very similar to cauliflower in appearance and can be served in many dishes.
"Finally the day came when my trial was a success and I harvested 400 fully-grown broccoli," he said.
Mr Autar said although it was a new crop, after harvesting it he was of the view that by following proper farm management practices it could be successfully grown like any other exotic crop.
He added that there was very little awareness on the use of this produce so he did not sell it in the local market but approached nearby hotels.
"When I first planted the crop I never thought about where to sell it," Mr Autar said.
But the quality, size and shape were just perfect for the hotel market and his produce was instantly accepted.
"Demand for such exotic produce is really high in the hotel industry but since I had a limited crop I only supplied few," he said.
Mr Autar sold around 25 kilograms of broccoli for eight dollars per kilogram.
The vegetable is very nutritious.
"I have developed a taste of it and now I make sure that I use it everyday in my meals," Mr Autar said.
"Every morning I put it in my soup. I also use it for stir fry, to steam, and for chop suey as well as eating it raw."
He said he has no land but was still planting in his backyard for food security.
"I am more than willing to help farmers personally and teach them the proper management practices for better growth," he said.
"The hotel sector demands quality and consistency of such produce farmers can play a key role in reducing our high imports."
Mr Autar said he planted broccoli during the prolonged cool season but it could be grown successfully under the controlled temperature as well.
Adapting to modern technologies such as planting under sarlon shade cloth and in nurseries would be major advantage for its growth.
"Though not on big scale, at least farmers should try it out and believe me, this highly-priced crop has a huge market locally and abroad," said Mr Autar.
He is encouraging farmers to try out new crops to test their growth and work in co-operation with the ministry for technical and advisory services.
There are many farmers like Mr Autar who are working hard and their firm belief and determination is opening doors for new opportunities.
