The Fiji National University (FNU) will mark a significant academic milestone as Atish Chand becomes the first-ever student to graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) under the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) Pacific Agriculture Scholarships and Support (PASS) programme.
Chand, 46, will graduate during FNU’s ceremony on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, after successfully completing his PhD studies from 2023 to 2025 at the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF). His research, centred on agribusiness and climate change, focused on “Value chain analysis and climate change intervention in the Fijian Dairy Industry”, addressing critical challenges within one of Fiji’s key agricultural sectors.
A father of three, Chand described his journey under the ACIAR PASS Programme as transformative, highlighting the comprehensive academic and professional support that enabled him to focus on his research.
“The ACIAR PASS Programme provided strong capacity building and training opportunities that significantly enhanced my academic and professional development. Through structured workshops, research training sessions, and field-based learning, I was able to strengthen my technical skills in research design, data analysis, and scientific writing,” Chand said.
“The programme also exposed me to advanced methodologies and practical applications relevant to agribusiness and agricultural systems. In addition, participation in seminars and collaborative training activities with international researchers helped build my confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. These experiences not only improved my research competency but also prepared me to contribute more effectively to agricultural development and policy-relevant research in the Pacific region.”
Originally from Qeledamu in Labasa, a community predominantly engaged in sugarcane farming, Chand’s interest in the dairy sector developed during a year-long internship at the Fiji College of Agriculture Farm while completing his Tropical Diploma in Agriculture. This early exposure, combined with insights gained from news reports, academic literature, and direct engagement with farmers, inspired him to pursue research that could deliver tangible benefits to the sector.
“Gathering from the news, research articles, and listening to dairy farmers themselves motivated me to select a topic that can make a difference in the dairy sector in Fiji.This enabled me to develop a proposal by recognising the gap between research and practical application in Fiji’s dairy sector. I wanted to develop data-driven insights that could help farmers improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen resilience,” Chand explained.
“My exposure to advanced modelling techniques through international research opportunities further motivated me to apply these tools in a local context, where they can have a meaningful impact. Overall, my goal was to contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Fiji while supporting national priorities under the Fiji National Development Plan.”
Chand noted that his time at FNU and CAFF was both intellectually rigorous and rewarding, offering a strong academic environment that encouraged independent thinking, critical analysis, and scholarly excellence.
“I benefited greatly from close supervision and academic support, which helped me refine my research focus and strengthen the quality of my thesis work. I also had a supportive supervisor, Dr Kerua, who provided strong academic guidance and mentorship throughout my PhD journey, ensuring clarity in my research direction and objectives,” he revealed.
“The college also provided access to relevant resources, field networks, and institutional linkages that supported data collection and applied research in agribusiness and climate-related issues.”
Chand’s research aligns closely with FNU’s strategic priorities and Fiji’s national development agenda, particularly in advancing sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems. His work on greenhouse gas emission modelling in the dairy sector contributes to Fiji’s commitments under the Fiji National Development Plan and the Paris Agreement.
“My work on greenhouse gas emission modelling in the dairy sector supports Fiji’s commitments under the Fiji National Development Plan and the Paris Agreement by providing evidence-based solutions for reducing emissions while maintaining farm profitability,” he highlighted.
“My research on value chain analysis contributes to improving efficiency, productivity, and farmer incomes, which are key national priorities. It also aligns with FNU’s focus on applied research, industry engagement, and developing job-ready graduates.”
Despite his success, Chand acknowledged the challenges he encountered throughout his PhD journey, including balancing academic demands with personal responsibilities and navigating uncertainties in research progression.
“One significant challenge at the beginning was my limited knowledge of greenhouse gas emission modelling, which was central to my research. With the guidance of my supervisors, I proactively addressed this gap by applying for the CLIFF-GRADS Programme.This opportunity allowed me to undertake specialised training and work on a research project at Bangor University in Wales, where I gained hands-on experience in greenhouse gas emission modelling and advanced analytical techniques. Challenges such as data access and maintaining consistency in fieldwork required adaptability and persistence,” he said.
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