Unexpected life changes, though initially disruptive, often redirect us to more fulfilling paths.
Such is the truth behind Niteshwar Prasad’s journey.
The Muaniweni, Naitasiri farmer’s life took an unexpected but rewarding turn from the police force .
Today, the former Vuinimono High School student proudly calls himself a farmer.
But that title came only after a life-altering car accident in 2006 while serving as a police officer.
“The accident forced me to rethink my life,” he said.
After a period of recovery, Mr Prasad left the force and returned home to take up the mantle of his family’s farming business.
Although he had grown up on the land alongside his brother and two sisters, farming was not something he had previously considered as a full-time career.
“I come from a family with a farming background,” he said.
“As children, growing up on a farm felt like an adventure. It was fun, interesting and full of freedom but it wasn’t where I wanted to spend the rest of my life initially. That changed in 2006. ”
That was also the year his mother passed away. The loss further strengthened his resolve to stay close to home.
Despite challenges faced by Indo-Fijian members of his community during the political upheavals of the past, Mr Prasad said Muaniweni has remained ‘a great place to live’.
“We were hurt during the past coups, but we’ve moved on with life. We enjoyed good relationships with our neighbours and villagers but politics and politicians got in the way. Yet we still choose to be in Muaniweni,” he said.
Today, Mr Prasad manages more than 10 acres of land, as well as a plot once owned by his deceased brother. His farm boasts about 6,000 dalo plants, an entire acre dedicated to pumpkins, and a chicken shed.
He believes the rewards of farming go beyond financial gain.
“The best thing about farm life is the natural environment around you,” he said.
“Everything we eat is fresh. We don’t have to buy from the market. Our root crops and vegetables travel straight from the farm to the pot or the table—no additives, just healthy and free from disease.”
Farming, he added, also keeps the body strong and the mind healthy.
“The daily physical work, exposure to the sun and being outdoors keeps us fit and healthy.”
While he believes in the value of education and white or blue-collar jobs, Mr Prasad is quick to encourage landowners not to overlook agriculture.
“There’s nothing wrong with getting an education and working in an office,” he said.
“But for those who have land, there is a lot of money in farming if you are willing to work hard and stay focused.”
One of his three children has already shown a keen interest in farming, and Mr Prasad hopes to mentor the child to eventually take over the family farm one day.
Reflecting on his journey, he says he has no regrets.
“I would not be earning what I earn now if I had stayed in the police force,” he said. “I am happy and content as a farmer. I am my own boss.”
Mr Prasad believes the accident that ended aone career gave birth to another.
“It was a blessing in disguise,” he said.
“A blessing that allowed me to shift my focus, return to the land and look after my family’s future.”
