Backyard gardener Mani has eyes for strawberry
Strawberry, a fruit that many in the country know that it is farmed overseas, has the potential to grow in Labasa.
This was proven by Aqeelah Bano Mani of Batinikama, Labasa, who now plans to be the first in the Northern Division to invest in a strawberry farm.
The 25-year-old mother of a threeyear-old child said she received a small strawberry plant (size of a thumb) from her neighbour who left for Suva in June last year.
“I then planted it near my house and after a few months transplanted it to a cool area,” Mrs Mani said.
“Now, I have five plants at a height of six-inches each and I picked the first fruit from the plant yesterday.”
The Fiji National University student, pursuing a diploma in computing, said she would now invest more time and energy to start a strawberry farm.
“I think this is the best time of the season to venture into strawberry farming,” the youngest of three siblings said.
“I was an agriculture student while attending Labasa Sangam College. So, I will use whatever knowledge I have.” She said at the moment she had not thought about developing into business as her husband, Sanjay Mani and daughter, Anaira Mani enjoy helping her in backyard gardening to get fruits and vegetables for family consumption. The Department of Agriculture in Labasa has confirmed that no one has ventured into strawberry farming in the Northern Division, but a number of people have tried growing strawberry for interest.