Success comes only after a good struggle and hardship, and, at least in farming, some experience of one or both of these is essential to attain permanent success in life.
These words, according to an article written by Etika Tukana and published by The Fiji Times on May 30 1986, shone a light on the life of Marika Muadiqe, a sugarcane farmer of Sasa Village in Ba.
Muadiqe recalled how in 1971, with only a knife and a digging fork, he set out to work on a 4.8 hectares (12 acres) on native lease, determined to cultivate the land to cater for him and his family.
“The going was hard, but it was that hardship which made me determined to become what I am today,” he told this newspaper.
“With support from both my Indian neighbours and the Ministry of Primary Industries, I have a modern farming homestead, a three-bedroom concrete house on an attractive compound filled with a variety of local fruit trees.”
He started with only two bullocks initially, one of which was given to him by a friend. He then owned a tractor and a full set of ploughing equipment.
“Farming should not be considered only as a hobby or a part-time job or something to do in retirement,” Muadiqe said.
“It is a total commitment. It calls for a good, fresh mind, quick action and fitness both physically and mentally.”
After seeking assistance from the Ministry of Primary Industries, he diversified into a number of short-term crops.
Apart from 300 tonnes of sugar production gained in 1975, he was commended for his achievements in pulses and rice production.
Also included on the farm is a quarter of an acre of peanuts and crops traditionally grown by the local Indian farmers.
“These crops are helping me a lot in light of both the effects of natural disasters and meeting the needs of basic daily living,” Muadiqe said.
His determination has won him a good reputation among both his farming neighbours and staff of the Ministry of Primary Industries.
