What began as a three-acre farming venture in 2015 has grown into a thriving pineapple enterprise for Ba farmer Aqbal Azam Ali, who now cultivates more than 150 acres and supplies markets across Fiji.

Before entering agriculture, Ali spent 12 years working as an IT Executive at New World Supermarket. Looking back, he says he wishes he had made the switch to farming much earlier.

After leaving his office job, Ali initially ventured into cattle farming before selling his livestock to invest in land development and pineapple cultivation. Through continuous reinvestment and expansion, the business has steadily grown over the past decade.

Today, the 47-year-old single father produces between three and ten tonnes of pineapples each week, growing both Ripley Queen and Smooth Cayenne varieties. His produce is supplied to major markets in Suva, Nausori and Nadi, as well as supermarkets, roadside vendors and exporters.

Ali’s success has enabled him to acquire additional land, farming equipment, vehicles and a family home. He also serves as President of the Ba Pineapple Farmers Association and was recognised nationally as Fiji’s Best Pineapple Farmer in 2020.

He credits part of his recent expansion to support received through the Ministry of Agriculture’s assistance programme, which helped with land development and farm preparation.

Looking ahead, Ali hopes to establish Fiji’s first pineapple processing factory to produce canned pineapple, juice and other value-added products using locally grown fruit.

He is encouraging landowners to make productive use of idle land, saying agriculture remains a viable pathway to income generation, employment and long-term economic growth.