Farmer, Litia Lewaisamisoni, the only child of Sekove Koro was proud of her dad’s achievement.

Originally from Korowaqa in Ra, Mr Koro was awarded as best western farmer of the year 2020, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, and held in Nadi. The 56-year-old was not present during the Western Agriculture Show Farmers Awards day.

His 30 year-old daughter received his award on his behalf.

Inspiration
Ms Lewaisamisoni said the awards inspired them to keep striving and excel in their business. “I am proud of the achievement today.,” she said. “It has inspired us to keep moving forward.”

Her father is a semi-commercial farmer and has been farming for nine years, He is also a bee keeper who has produced 6.3 tonnes of honey over 3 years earning an estimated $100,000.00. They own 500 hives and have managed to build an extractor house equipped with the necessary machinery.

Supplying restaurants
The family own a 10 acre land in their village and have planted kava, pineapples, yams with other root crops. She said they supply restaurants, supermarkets and the local municipal market.

“We planted 4000 plants of kava, 12,000 pineapples, and other root crops,” Ms Lewaisamisoni said. “We supply our produce and our products to the hotels, supermarkets and the local markets. During this pandemic, most of our produce we sell from house to house.”

The female farmer wants to be like her father and continue to work the land.

Role model
This crisis has not affected us because we invested in our land. Her advice to her peers is success is in their hands. “My advice to the young people is the success they need is in their hands,” she said.“With your two hands you can achieve many things in life.”

WESTERN AGRICULTURE SHOW FARMERS AWARDS
Fisheries Awards; aquaculture farmer of the year award – Jona Cilo.
Fisherman of the Year Award – Sanaila Radevo.
Sandalwood Farmer of the Year Award – Shahana.
Logging Contractor of the Year Award – Westland Loggers.
Forester of the Year Award – Navunisarei Logging and Pruning.
Best Nursery of the Year Award – Devesh Nath, owner of Baros Farms.
Sheep Farmer of the Year- Sanjay Kumar.
Beef Farmer of the Year – Ifereimi Mataiedrau.
Dairy Farmer of the Year- Farad Khan.
Goat Farmer of the Year – Nilesh Ram.
Poultry Farmer of the Year – Kista Goundar.
Apiculture Farmer of the Year – Alusio Gumainabuke.
Rice Farmer of the Year – Pravin Kumar.
Yaqona Farmer of the Year – Vilikesa Davule.
Pineapple Farmer of the Year – Aqbal Azam Ali.
Vegetable Farmer of the Year – Joseph HiIl
Pawpaw Farmer of the Year – Rajnesh Kumar.
Backyard Farmer of the Year – Ritesh Sharma.
Value Adding Farmer of the Year – Vitila Vuniwaqa, Vees Organic Farm.
Young Farmer of the Year – Krishneel Kumar.
Woman in Agriculture of the Year – Sangeeta Keshni.
Best Farmer of the Year – Sekove Koro.
Minister’s special award 2020 for the Western Division was awarded to Anil Goundar.

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