Navua woman turns pandemic setback into thriving poultry farm

What began as a difficult moment during the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a story of resilience and determination for a woman farmer from Navua who rebuilt her livelihood through agriculture.

Shasi Narayan of Nakaulevu in Navua says losing her job during the pandemic in 2020 pushed her to start farming, a decision that has since grown into a small but steadily expanding poultry business.

Narayan shared her story while speaking about her journey into farming, explaining that she previously worked as an accountant at Nanuku Resort for about 17 years before the pandemic forced her out of employment in 2020.

With financial commitments including a vehicle loan and household responsibilities, she says she had to quickly find another way to support her family.

Narayan decided to return to something familiar, farming.

Narayan says she started small with just 60 meat chickens on her farm in Viwawa, where she now lives and operates her mixed farming business.

Over time, the small venture began to grow as she purchased additional chicks in batches and gradually expanded her poultry production.

Narayan says she now manages both meat chickens and egg production, and hopes to further grow the egg side of her business due to increasing demand.

However, she admits that farming has not been without difficulties.

Before focusing on poultry, her family had invested heavily in growing dalo, but much of their crop was stolen.

Narayan says nearly 80 to 90 percent of one harvest disappeared, leaving the family heartbroken and forcing them to rethink their farming plans.

Despite these setbacks, Narayan says she remained determined and shifted her focus to poultry farming.

Today, Narayan continues to brood some of her own chicks while purchasing others to maintain production cycles, ensuring that when one batch is finished another is ready.

She says one of the biggest pressures farmers currently face is the rising cost of animal feed.

Narayan hopes to receive training on producing alternative feed sources, saying it would help farmers reduce costs and improve sustainability.

Although farming is often considered a male-dominated field, Narayan says she feels proud to be part of the industry.

She credits her husband for being a strong source of support, helping with feeding the chickens and maintaining the farm.

Narayan is encouraging women who are thinking about entering agriculture to start small and gradually build their knowledge and experience.

Insert: Narayan - Have faith in God March 10

She also believes faith plays an important role in overcoming life’s difficulties.