Thirty-four-year-old Pranit Prasad manages two sugarcane farms while also operating a three-acre commercial vegetable farm, which he says provides a steady income throughout the year.
Prasad says he has been involved in farming since leaving school in 2009, continuing the work started by his parents.
After his father passed away in 2018, he and his family continued to expand the farm with the support of his mother, sister and one hired worker.
Today, the family harvests between 300 and 400 tonnes of sugarcane each year while also growing vegetables and herbs, including cabbage, eggplant, French beans, basil, parsley and rosella leaves, as well as fruit trees.
He says fresh produce is supplied to local markets, while middlemen also buy vegetables for hotels.
Prasad believes farmers should not depend only on sugarcane, and encourages others to diversify their crops to create an additional source of income.
He has received several awards, including the Ministry of Agriculture's Best Young Farmer in the Western Division in 2014 and the Young Sugarcane Farmer Award for the Lautoka District.
Prasad says labour shortages remain one of the biggest challenges, but he hopes to continue expanding his farming business to meet the growing demand for fresh local produce.
He is encouraging more young people to take up farming, saying those with land should work hard and make the most of the opportunities available.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry says it continues to support young people and women through training and programmes aimed at increasing participation in the agriculture sector and encouraging farming as a sustainable business.
