27-year-old Apenisa Irinasau says receiving seven machines through the My Fiji Support Project will help transform his chilli farming business as he plans to expand production from 600 to 3,000 plants by the end of the year.
As part of the assistance, Irinasau received 130 bags of manure, a chainsaw, a multi-purpose weeder machine, cane knives, greenhouse materials, watering can sprays, gumboots, a wheelbarrow and other farming essentials that will help improve efficiency and support the expansion of his chilli farming business.
Irinasau says the machines will make work easier and faster on his chilli plantation and he is grateful for the support provided to help grow his business.
Speaking with pride and emotion with fijivillage News, he says he was raised in a hardworking farming family where discipline and sacrifice shaped his life from a young age.
He shared that although his mother worked as a teacher, she would still spend Saturdays at the market selling whatever the family harvested from the farm.
Irinasau says watching his parents work tirelessly motivated him to build a better future for his own family, adding that everything he is doing today is for his parents and his two children.
He says his family previously planted cassava and understands the physical demands of farming, especially carrying heavy sacks from the plantation back home.
However, he says chilli farming has become a smarter and lighter alternative, while also bringing in strong returns.
Irinasau says he is currently farming on half an acre of land and has already started saving seeds as he works towards increasing his chilli plants from 600 to 3,000 before the end of this year.
He also plans to take the business further by supplying supermarkets and developing chilli-based recipes and products in the future.
Irinasau says on a good day he can earn up to $500, with chilli selling for around $25 per kilogram.
He says whenever he arrives at the market, vendors rush to buy from him, and the feeling makes him “feel like a big boss.”
Sharing a message to young people across Fiji, Irinasau says youths should never underestimate themselves and should always listen to their parents.
Insert in Fijian: Irinasau message to the youth 16th May 26
He says people should stop wasting time worrying about criticism and negative judgement from others and instead stay focused on building their future.
Irinasau also acknowledged the support from overseas donors and the My Fiji Support Project, especially Eliki Dakuitoga, for helping elevate his business through the assistance and machines provided yesterday.
