Within the well known tourist destination of Sonaisali in Nadi there are some residents who fully rely on farming to support their family.
One of them, 54-year-old Virendra says farming is everything to him and he has no regrets tilling the land.
“Few years back, when I lost my job as a hotel worker there was no other option apart from farming because I had to meet the educational needs of my two children,” Virendra said.
He started farming in 2004 when he realized the great opportunity in agriculture.
Considering the option of marketing his farm produce Virendra decided to grow lettuce and tomato on a large scale as they could be easily sold to hotels.
He is well known in the Sonaisali area because he cultivates various types of lettuce on his farm.
“Growing a single commodity on the farm is something farmers should consider and always target a market where they can supply their produce,” Virendra said..
Since his farm is in the drier part of the country and crops require cooler climate, he is fortunate to have a well from where he sources out water with a sprinkler irrigation.
On average Virendra produces 200kg-300kg of lettuce every week and supplies to middlemen within the Nadi area. Three full time labourers work in the farm with Virendra.
“I used to supply directly to the hotels but to save time I supply my produce to middlemen in Nadi who later sell it to hotels,” Virendra said.
“There are usually fluctuations in the market prices and farmers should not lose hope as there are times when prices are good and at times the prices may not favour farmers but people should always work hard no matter what the situation is.”
Looking at his farming option and the type of crops he grows Virendra was selected by the Department of Agriculture to be assisted under Import Substitution Program (ISP).
ISP is one of the Demand Driven Approach Program from the Department of Agriculture targeting farmers who grow crops which are normally imported into our country.
Agriculture officer for Nadi, Mrs. Inise Sakoro said that Virendra is one of the successful farmers in Nadi and this was why he was selected to be assisted under ISP.
“Last year he was assisted under ISP with $7,000 which was used to improve the farming structure and layout so that more efficient farming practices would be carried out by the farmer,” Mrs Sakaro added.
The money was used to purchase materials to construct a greenhouse considering that lettuce requires cooler environment and it’s always hot and dry in Nadi.
“The farmer is now reaping the good output from the greenhouse as before the crop was not damaged by hot sunlight,” Mrs Sakoro said.
“Since offseason production was always a problem and he was not able to supply his markets and meet the local market demand this assistance will boost his production during these times,” Mrs. Sakoro said.
“Before Virendra used to do only seasonal farming for only a six-month period. With the greenhouse he is able to do his farming all year round.
“Virendra is an ever improving farmer who always tries to explore options to increase his farming area in order to increase his utput.”
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