Farmer of the Year determined to build a better life for family and community
With the help of his wife and sons, Birja Nand worked his 75 acres copra farm daily determined to build a better life for his family. The 66-year-old was named the Farmer of the year award during the 2019 National Agriculture Show Farmer Awards at Valelevu ground past Friday.
How it all started
Like any farmer in the Navatu, Cakaudrove district, Mr Nand came from a humble farming background owning 250 acres of freehold land.
Despite not having any labourers, in 2018, he recorded a production of 24 tons Grade 1 copra at a value of $24,000.
This consists of hybrid coconuts and Fiji tall coconuts. For the past 40 years, farming has been the only thing Mr Nand had known, and he has also ventured into livestock. He has more than 75 goats, 15 sheep, 25 cows and 60 free range chickens, all of which graze under his 75-acres of coconut. Mr Nand said he keeps his plantation clean to ensure that all his produces are of the best quality
“We also plants and sells assorted vegetables to restaurants and at the municipal market in Savusavu. “With the assistance from the Ministry Of Agriculture in 2018 we were able to build a copra drier and were also provided chainsaw.
“I was able to put all my three sons through school and two of whom are working here in Suva.
“It was my wife, Kiran Wati, who has been my main supporter throughout the years, helping me on the farm.” Mr Nand creates employment to neighbouring communities He has extended his home and has solar and a backup generator.
He bought a twin cab to cart his copra to Copra Millers Ltd, in Savusavu which is 35km away