Abdul Gani is the pillar of strength behind the farming community in Muaniweni, Naitasiri.
Born into a farming family, the 75-year-old embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication.
Against all odds, he thrived in the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture.
“In farming, some days you will be at your lowest, and other times you will be above the bar,” Mr Gani said.
“So whatever you experience, always persevere and heed the advice of aging farmers.”
His journey began with rice farming in 1959. But as income dwindled, he explored other crops like bananas and dalo, eventually venturing into livestock and dairy farming.
In 1989, despite having a hearing impairment, he expanded his operations, showcasing his commitment to farming.
Two years later, he established a dairy farm with just five cows. Over the years, his herd grew to 30, supported by modern farming advancements such as the use of milking machines, which increased his daily production to 80 litres.
Mr Gani’s creativity is evident in his use of local materials to build feeding sheds and implement efficient practices.
His dedication extends beyond his own farm as he always welcomes students from the Fiji National University for practical attachments, sharing his knowledge and fostering the next generation of farmers.
“I did all this for my family, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved through farming,” he said.
Mr Gani’s legacy is not just his success in crop and livestock farming, but the wisdom and support he offers aspiring farmers.
He is perplexed by the exodus of young people from the islands to towns and cities despite the availability of agriculture resources in rural areas.
“We have so much land here, yet many youths are drawn to office jobs or opportunities abroad,” he said.
Mr Gani believes in the importance of nurturing a new generation of farmers who are willing to work hard and cultivate the land.
“We are sitting on goldmines,” he said, highlighting the untapped resources that agriculture offers.
The ministry of agriculture and waterways shares Mr Gani’s vision and is actively collaborating with farmers and stakeholders like him to boost dairy production in Fiji.
Recognising the high import costs of milk and other products, the government prioritises the dairy industry as a vital component of the nation’s economy.
To strengthen local production, the ministry works with the Fiji Cooperative Dairy Company Limited on various initiatives aimed at improving milk yield, including the introduction of the National
Certificate in Agriculture Dairy Level 2 program.
It is designed to equip aspiring farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge.
With collective efforts from the government and community, there is hope for Fiji’s revitalised farming sector.
- Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways Facebook Page
