Devi reaps reward, challenges women to excel in agriculture
More women are making waves in various sectors. This is a sign that women are able to thrive in any field of work
Women should not be dependent on others and should embrace a succession plan says Rangina Devi. Ms Devi, 50, scooped the overall Gold award during the third Annual 2024 Star Farmer Incentive Awards at British American Tobacco in Malawai, Nadi yesterday.
As a farmer, she had the highest overall yield in the 2023 crop growing season a true testament to agronomy excellence and perseverance in agriculture.
She said that it is fitting that on International Women’s Day, as the world celebrates women for their success, they can live up to the theme of International Women’s Day to inspire inclusion in agriculture.
“I cannot find the right words to explain my feelings now but to be honest I am surprised by this,” he said.
Ms Devi dedicates her accomplishment to her husband Dalip Kumar, 53, a carpenter whom they have been married since 1993. They have three children and two grandchildren who assist them from time to
time.
“I have joined this type of commodity for one year now and I got motivated by my husband who has been doing this for two years,” she said.
“We do lease two pieces of land in Qeleloa in Nadi which are a threequarter acre and one acre respectively. I do put my full force effort in this and to sustain our lives.” The farming practices use organic fertilizer and hydroponics systems which are 100 percent healthy and organic and are found to be of high quality.
The skills and knowledge attained through training can be replicated through other crops during the season thus ensuring farmers are not financially affected.
Ms Devi attended Gandhi Bhawan Primary School and Korovuto Secondary School, respectively. She has 25 years of an experienced machinist.
On the other hand, Mr Kumar scooped a gold award as well. “I dedicate my award to my wife whose belief does motivate me to continue to do better,” he said.
The awards recognises the work of over 100 farmers and Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica who officiated at the event.en the driving force behind our success.
We do lease two pieces of land in Qeleloa in Nadi which are a three-quarter acre and one acre respectively. I do put my full ForCE Effort In tHIs AnD to sustain our lives Rangina Devi