Raynil Kumar of Serea Naitasiri who scooped the Young Farmer of the Year Award in the 2023 National Agriculture Show says he left his profession of Banking and Finance to pursue his dream in farming.
Kumar says after attaining his Degree in Banking and Finance, he joined the workforce for four years as he wanted to honour his parent's wish to attain a higher education however, he knew that he was going to return to farming because he was always a farmer at heart while growing up and used to follow his father to the farm.
Kumar is engaged in dalo farming.
The 30-year-old who has been creating ripples in the nearby villages and settlements believes that he can win more awards in the future not for recognition but for motivation and encouragement.
He says he has taken over the management of the farm from his elderly father and looks after 28 hectares of agriculture lease with flatland topography.
The young determined farmer says being faced with challenges of high agro-input, high labour cost and un-utilised potential land due to water logging, he stood focused on improving production and opted to continue using organic manure. Kumar says he practices phase planting to ensure that his supply to the export market is not hindered and aims to expand his farm to ensure that his produce continues to the overseas markets.
He also says he is grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for the advice, monitoring visits and assistance provided as this has certainly boosted his farm.
Kumar says there is so much abundant land and resources available around us and we just need to knock on the right doors and start full throttle ahead. The 30-year-old encourages people to invest in farming and never give up as farming will alleviate poverty and help to secure food and income security.
He further says he has been supplying to Ben Traders and it is truly satisfying to know that the dalo he plants in Fiji ends up at a family table overseas, which was his target all along and says he will continue to push himself.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways says they will continue to encourage and motivate youths across Fiji to engage in agriculture to grow the sector as they will continue to conduct training and awareness sessions across the country in a bid to encourage more agricultural activities and supporting and linking farmers through a market-based approach.
