Proposal: Large-Scale Industrial Hemp Cultivation in Fiji – Harnessing Fallow Native Lands for Economic, Environmental, and Social Benefits, Including Hempcrete for Termite-Resistant Housing

Executive Summary

This proposal outlines the transformative potential of establishing large-scale industrial hemp cultivation in Fiji, focusing on utilizing underutilized fallow native lands. Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa with THC levels below 1%) offers multifaceted benefits: economic growth through high-profit yields and job creation, environmental sustainability via soil regeneration and carbon sequestration, and social advantages by providing alternatives to illegal cannabis cultivation. A key application is the production of hempcrete, a durable, termite-resistant building material ideal for replacing low-cost housing damaged by invasive Asian subterranean termites (AST). With recent legislative amendments in 2025 enabling full industry operations, the Fijian government demonstrates strong will and emerging capacity to activate this sector. Implementation could generate millions in revenue, revitalize rural economies, and address pressing housing challenges, positioning Fiji as a Pacific leader in sustainable agriculture.

Introduction

Fiji’s agricultural sector faces challenges such as underutilized land, climate vulnerability, and invasive pests like AST, which have caused millions in damage to homes and infrastructure since 2010. Native lands, comprising 54.1% of Fiji’s agricultural area (approximately 194,769 hectares under traditional ownership like Mataqali or Yavusa), often lie fallow due to shortening shifting cultivation cycles and socioeconomic factors. Industrial hemp cultivation presents a viable solution, legalized in Fiji since 2022 for varieties with less than 1% THC. Recent 2025 amendments to the Industrial Hemp and Medical Cannabis Act aim to fully operationalize the industry, including banking access and export frameworks. This proposal highlights the benefits, with a focus on hempcrete for housing, and evaluates governmental readiness.nfpfiji.org

Benefits of Large-Scale Industrial Hemp Cultivation in Fiji

Industrial hemp is a versatile, fast-growing crop that can be harvested in 3-4 months, making it suitable for Fiji’s tropical climate. Large-scale cultivation offers the following advantages:

Economic Benefits

• High Profit Potential: Hemp yields 2-3 times higher profits per square foot compared to traditional crops like vegetables or ornamentals, due to its multiple uses (fiber, seeds, and biomass). In Fiji, this could boost rural incomes, create jobs in processing and export, and reduce reliance on imports. For instance, hemp oil imports are growing at a 6.3% CAGR, indicating domestic production opportunities.nipgroup.com6wresearch.com
• Market Diversification: Hemp fibers for textiles and paper are more cost-efficient than cotton, while seeds provide nutritious food and oil products. Globally, the industry supports farm expansion and value-added manufacturing, potentially generating millions for Fiji through exports.shfinancial.org
• Alternative to Illicit Trade: As noted by Fiji’s Economy Minister in 2021, hemp could displace illegal marijuana cultivation, channeling efforts into legal, regulated agriculture.pina.com.fjfijivillage.com

Environmental Benefits

• Sustainability and Soil Health: Hemp requires minimal water (a fraction of cotton’s needs), reduces chemical inputs, and improves soil quality through deep roots that prevent erosion and enhance fertility. It excels in carbon sequestration, absorbing more CO2 per hectare than forests or other crops, aiding Fiji’s climate goals.grove.rainmatter.org
• Crop Rotation Advantages: Integrating hemp breaks monoculture cycles, reduces pests, and supports biodiversity, ideal for Fiji’s diverse ecosystems.secondcenturyag.com

Social Benefits

• Community Empowerment: Cultivation on native lands could foster inclusive growth, addressing tensions between indigenous and Indo-Fijian communities over land use. It promotes food security through nutritious hemp products and sustainable practices.anthroposphere.co.uk

Utilizing Fallow Native Lands

Fiji has significant fallow land potential: 23% of total land (4,250 km²) is agricultural, much of it native-owned and underutilized due to traditional tenure systems and unsustainable shifting cultivation. Hemp is well-suited for these areas, as it thrives on marginal soils like talāsiga lands (degraded grasslands common in Fiji) and requires low inputs. Large-scale adoption could:fiji-psp.landcareresearch.co.nz

• Revitalize idle lands without displacing food crops, integrating with existing systems.
• Generate lease revenues for native landowners, promoting economic equity.
• Address constraints like high production costs through government-supported technology transfer. Pilot projects on communal lands could demonstrate viability, aligning with policies for ecological sustainability.un-csam.org

Producing Hempcrete for Termite-Resistant Low-Cost Housing

AST infestations have devastated low-cost housing in Fiji, prompting government interventions like $2 million relief packages, expanded disaster reserves, and reconstruction aid for households earning under $50,000. These pests cause honeycomb damage to timber structures, costing US$1 million annually. Hempcrete – a composite of hemp hurds, lime, and water – offers a superior alternative:fijionenews.com.fj

• Termite Resistance: The lime content and lack of organic appeal deter termites and rodents naturally, without chemicals, making it ideal for tropical climates.hempwellness.co.nz
• Additional Benefits: Carbon-negative, fire-resistant, mold-proof, breathable, and insulating, reducing energy costs and maintenance. It combats climate change by sequestering CO2 during production.sciencedirect.com
• Housing Application: Locally produced hempcrete could replace damaged timber homes, lowering reconstruction costs and providing durable, eco-friendly options for vulnerable communities. While some research notes uncertainty in extreme termite zones, practical experiences confirm its efficacy.sciencedirect.comfacebook.com

Assessment of Government’s Ability and Will to Activate Hemp Production

Will

The Fijian government shows clear commitment: Hemp was legalized in 2022 to foster industrialization and curb illicit trade. In 2025, the Industrial Hemp and Medical Cannabis Amendment Act addresses barriers like banking restrictions, enabling full operations. Cabinet approvals in 2024 for feasibility studies and export-focused frameworks (including medicinal cannabis) indicate proactive intent to attract investment. Despite a “hemp boom that never was” due to initial stalls, 2025 reforms signal renewed momentum.en.wikipedia.org

Ability

• Strengths: Existing agricultural infrastructure, tropical suitability, and international partnerships (e.g., feasibility studies) provide a foundation. The Ministry of Agriculture can integrate hemp into strategies for import substitution and technology adoption. Termite response precedents (e.g., $2m aid) show capacity for targeted interventions.mmjdaily.com
• Challenges: Stalled progress post-2022 highlights regulatory and financial hurdles, with domestic use prohibited and focus on exports. Land tenure complexities may require community consultations.vbr.vu
• Overall: High will (evidenced by 2025 laws) and moderate ability, improvable through incentives like subsidies and training. Full activation is feasible by 2026, as targeted for similar cannabis initiatives.vbr.vu

Conclusion and Recommendations

Large-scale hemp cultivation on fallow native lands could revolutionize Fiji’s economy, environment, and housing sector, particularly through termite-resistant hempcrete. To activate this:

1. Launch pilot projects on native lands with iTaukei Land Trust Board collaboration.
2. Provide subsidies for hemp farming and hempcrete manufacturing.
3. Conduct awareness campaigns on benefits and legal frameworks.
4. Partner with international experts for technology transfer. By leveraging 2025 reforms, Fiji can achieve sustainable development, reducing termite damage and unlocking untapped potential. This proposal urges immediate government action for a resilient future.