At just 29, Zabeen Rukshar Khan has around 150 goats, with 40 to 60 sold annually through sales, which is clear evidence of business growth and resilience.
Khan has won the National Woman Goat Farmer of the Year title twice, transforming a modest start into a thriving farming enterprise.
She says that she previously worked in Fiji’s tourism industry after completing her studies in Hospitality and Hotel Management and never imagined she would one day manage livestock across more than 100 acres.
Her journey into agriculture began after marriage when she took her first steps into goat farming with just 15 to 20 animals.What once seemed an unlikely career path has become a source of empowerment and independence.
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Her success has not come without challenges, from controlling parasites that threaten her herd to protecting livestock from stray dogs and mitigating fire risks.
She says that she has had to quickly develop the skills needed to sustain and grow her operation.
She adds that she now manages her 101-acre property using modern tools such as quad bikes and surveillance cameras, blending traditional farming with contemporary practices.
She admits she initially saw farm life as a step down from her previous career, but that perception has changed dramatically.
Her story highlights a broader shift in Fiji’s primary industries, where more women are stepping into leadership roles and reshaping the sector.
Khan’s message to other young women is grounded in experience and determination: start small, remain disciplined, and keep moving forward.
She says even little progress is still progress and if others can do it, nothing is impossible.
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