A lifetime of dedication to improving farming
HE IS A SON of the soil and has dedicated his life to ensuring mankind reaps its benefits. Kuben Moodley’s father got him interested in farming and conservation when he started working on his grandfather’s farm during school holidays when he was just six years old.
His grandfather, SS Govender, was a prominent sugar cane and citrus farmer in lower Inanda.
So it was not surprising Moodley made agriculture his vocation. His sugar cane farm in Hibberdene is the largest on the South Coast.
The 58-year-old Isipingo resident has been helping farmers use science, technology and natural resources to improve harvests since 1977.
He climbed the agricultural ranks in KZN to hold various senior positions in farming over the years and now serves as KZN general manager of integrated rural development.
This week, he was appointed president of the South African Society for Agricultural Extension (Sasae).
The body’s core functions are to oversee agricultural extensions, and ensure farmers are aware of the latest scientific and technological advancements.
In the industry for nearly 40 years, Moodley’s passion for farming has not waned, and his passion to make a difference and produce food, especially for the country’s poor people, continues to bloom.
Moodley said in order to overcome the ravaging effects of the drought that is currently gripping South Africa, “you need to do more with less”.
“This includes saving our precious water resources, undertaking research development technology and, more importantly, getting our people to learn the value of mother earth.”
Moodley’s father was a teacher and his postings determined where they lived, from Stanger and Greenwood Park to Isipingo.
But school holidays were always spent on the farm.
However, Moodley seldom got his hands dirty.
“I did mainly admin duties and tending to the affairs of the farm workers. Watching them use fertilisers and chemicals and weighing sugar cane really interested me.
“They used to refer to me as the little ‘ induna’ (foreman).”
At high school, Moodley formed the Isipingo Conservation and Anti-Pollution Association (ICAP).
That body was then incorporated to the Isipingo Wildlife Society, which his father headed.
Moodley said his father’s influence had done much to shape his outlook on life and love, and inspired him to read.
At times, he could read a book a day. So it’s no wonder that by the time he finished primary school he had read just about every book on the local library’s shelves.
Badminton was, and still is, the Name: Kubendheran Loganathan Moodley. Born: At St Aidan’s Hospital, June 28, 1957. Parents: Father: Alderman Logan M Moodley. Former mayor of Isipingo borough, school teacher, principal and editor of Fiat Lux Magazine. Mother: Saraswati Devi, involved in community work, mayoress of Isipingo and Rotary Ann president. Siblings: Indira Devi, Chreeson, Kamla Devi and Mayasree Devi. Primary schools: Stanger, Greenwood Park and Isipingo Beach. High school: Isipingo Hills Secondary. Children: Keshan Kuben, Shandini Devi and Reshav Kuben. Education: National diploma in agricultural extension, senior certificate in sugar cane agriculture, business management diploma, certificates in labour law and public finance management; now doing masters in science and food security. Work now: General manager, KZN integrated rural development.