Taveuni farmer sets the trend
Krishna Swammy, of Waimaqera, on Taveuni, almost lost everything during Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016.
It was hard to rebuild everything from scratch but the 49-year-old was determined to put a roof over his children’s heads.
“In 2016 my house was damaged and so was my farm,’’ Mr Swammy said.
“But I wasn’t going to sit back and do nothing. I was glad I received the Northern Development Programme (NDP) grant in time. I received the grant after Tropical Cyclone Winston,” the father-of-three said.
“I received $10,000 from the NDP grant and loan of $15,000 from a bank. I was able to buy a generator, brush-cutter and water pump.”
Mr Swammy said the NDP grant has boosted his confidence.
“My wife has been very supportive and without her I wouldn’t have reached this far. My wife helps on the farm. I plant yaqona, dalo and vegetables,’’ Mr Swammy said.
“My two children could not become what they wanted to become because of financial difficulties. I am glad that the Government is giving free education and bus fare to students.”
He said learning from mistakes was a must.
“I as a farmer I face a lot of difficulties. I would like the relevant authorities to increase the market for dalo and yaqona. My customers are mainly from Taveuni,” Mr Swammy said.
“One of the main challenges I face is finding a secure market for chilies and markets for my other produce especially dalo and yaqona.”
Mr Swammy is urging parents to make sure that their children become the best they can be and becoming a farmer should be the last resort.
Edited by George Kulamaiwasa
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