AT 67, Keshwan Nair has no plans of giving up farming.
It has been a livelihood that has allowed him to provide for his family and build a better life in Lomaivuna, Naitasiri.
Having lived in Lomaivuna for 26 years, Mr Nair remains committed to working his land and sharing the knowledge he has gained with his son.
“I will continue farming until I cannot do it anymore. It will depend on how long I can go,” he said.
Mr Nair owns two parcels of land covering almost 24 acres. One is his, while the other belongs to his son, who works alongside him to ensure their crops are well cared for.
They grow dalo, cassava and ginger, selling their produce at the market and supplying exporters who buy directly from their farm.
For Mr Nair, farming has been more than a source of income. It has helped transform his family’s living conditions.
He recalled starting with a small home before gradually building a bigger house through the income earned from farming.
His hard work also enabled him to purchase a two-tonne truck, a car and a four-wheel drive, along with other necessities for his family and farm.
Mr Nair has three children. His daughter lives in Australia, while one of his sons is in Canada.
His other son remains in Lomaivuna, helping him with the farm.
Sharing what he has learnt over the years with his son is something Mr Nair values, particularly as he continues working the land.
His days begin at 5am and usually end at 5pm, a routine familiar to many farmers in the area.
Having just returned from his dalo farm, Mr Nair showed little sign of slowing down.
At his age, farming remains central to his life, and he intends to keep going for as long as he can.
