When Satnam Singh’s father passed away few years ago the responsibility to carry on the family’s business of livestock and vegetable farming was handed down to him.

Previously he worked at various restaurants before calling it quits a few years ago to manage their family 14-acre farm at Yako Settlement in Nadi.

The 60-year-old had been staying in the settlement with his family since birth.

He is married with three children who are all married and two grandchildren.

His plan to upgrade their family farm was accomplished with the $1000 grant under the Micro and Small Business Government Grant last year.

“I want to thank this Government for their assistance of $1000 which enabled me to build proper fences around my livestock farm,” Mr Singh added.

His livestock farm included five sheep, five cows and 43 goats. Mr Singh has also ventured into poultry farming.

Farmer Satnam Singh with his fenced in goat farm in Yako Settlement in Nadi on January 28, 2018.
Photo: Arieta Vakasukawaqa

With the proper fences now in place; he said the goats and sheep were safe from intruders or going astray.

Last year in December, Mr Singh managed to earn $1400 from his goat farm.

“Before I used to have sleepless nights worried because the goats were always scattered and there was no proper place to keep them, but with the fence in place I am happy,” he said.

“Within three months I earned more than $800 from selling vegetables on the road side and I have plans to extend my farm.”

In his four acre vegetable farm, Mr Singh has planted cabbages, pumpkins and coriander to name a few.

He advised farmers to take advantage of the initiatives from the Government which would assist in the success of their businesses.

His wife, 57-year-old, Lila Wati praised Government for the assistance given to their family.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback:  arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj