Crossing two swift rivers and trudging through thick mud everyday, you wonder how a simple yet successful farmer like Gopal Reddy makes it.

Up in the highlands of Nadarivatu, Mr Reddy runs a successful sheep farm; a rare find in these parts of Fiji.

In 2015, Mr Reddy was one of the recipients of the Small and Micro Business Grant assistance under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

With the grant he bought farm supplements that he urgently needed.

“I have 111 sheep and when it’s the festive or religious season I can make up $6000,” he said.

The resident of Rakavidi settlement in Nadarivatu said he chose to devote his time to sheep farming because he saw the benefits it had brought him.

“I have spent nine years in the sheep business and they are amongst the easiest I have had to handle,” he said.

“All they need is proper grass to graze on and good fencing to ensure that they are kept safe inside.”

Mr Reddy also does vegetable farming as a side business and has bigger plans for his 52-acre farm.

“There is so much wealth in the land. But it is up to us to till it and make sure it is utilised well,” Mr Reddy said.

“People should plant the land. Be patient and you will see the success that you want for yourself and your family.”

Married with four children, Mr Reddy tends to the sheep and the garden by himself, with help sometimes from his wife and friends.

“Otherwise I do it all by myself. 3 of my children have all moved out and so sometimes I get help from my wife and my youngest son,” he said.

He acknowledged the grant given to him and described it as the much needed help he was looking for.

“I was needing help when my friend told me about the grant. I just knew that I needed to apply and filled in all the requirements,” Mr Reddy said.

“I just want to say thank you to the Government for helping me out. I am very grateful for the timely help that came in the form of the grant. Edited by Naisa Koroi

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