Magical journey Devi’s love for farming
IF farming is magic, then Premila Devi’s cane knife is her wand. Taking comfort in the cradle of the land, Ms Devi grows cane in her 18-acre farm in Naviyago, Lautoka.
Originally from Nawaicoba in Nadi, the 47-year-old is one of the biggest producers in terms of tonnage of cane in the Drasa Sector — a journey, she describes as nothing short of magical.
While her story is indeed of empowerment, it is also that of struggles and tragedies — all delicately intertwined and yet woven into the strength of her character speaks volumes of Ms Devi’s resilience.
If the trees could speak, they would tell the tale of her tears, and how those tears manifested into hope and strength for a better future.
And if the walls of her house had a voice, they’d tell the story of how, after her husband’s death in 2014, Ms Devi picked herself up piece by piece and reconstructed the remnants of her life to provide for their two young sons.
She did not hesitate to take over the farm her husband had previously managed to provide for her family.
A woman who has stood resilient in the face of adversity, she reminisced the days which led her there.
“Growing up, we relied on farming for our income. So I learnt to get my hands dirty with soil from earlier on,” Ms Devi said.
She said because of financial difficulties, she was only able to study until form four (Year 10).
However, her dream of pursuing higher education reflected in her commitment to provide for her two sons, who are now well settled in their respective fields.
“I had to rub shoulders with men as a cane grower, and that only motivated me to be the best in what I do. I harvested 700 tonnes of cane, one of the highest in the sector in 2020, and 500 tonnes in 2021.”
Ms Devi is part of the Drasa Mechanical Harvester Gang 57.
When the 2022 crushing season was launched at the Fiji Sugar Corporation Lautoka Mill earlier this month, Ms Devi said she was confident she would again have the highest tonnage of cane.
“I am expecting to harvest 700 tonnes this season.”
Ms Devi describes farming as a blanket of assurance during adversities such as the
COVID-19 pandemic.
“My sons had lost their jobs during the pandemic, but it was sugarcane farming which helped us overcome any financial difficulties.
“The land has never forsaken us.” Through farming, she has not only been able help her sons pick up the pieces after the lockdown, but has also provided jobs to a young family who work as labourers in her farm.
“The labourers are happy because I keep them happy, as a grower I know the importance of having enthusiastic labourers. “We work together as a family.”
No matter what life throws her way, Ms Devi remains steadfast and believes that women can do anything they set their minds to.