Beekeeper Of The North: Nukubati Resort, Taveuni And The Tagimoucia
Joshua Prasad is among the few youths in Labasa who has invested his time in beekeeping.
The assistant manager of Cegu Valley Farm has been to the US three times to work with bees during the almond pollination.
Bees are an essential part of almond pollination for commercial production.
Most varieties of almond trees require cross-pollination to produce any nuts at all.
Almond trees are not wind pollinated easily, so for commercial orchards, this requires honey bee colonies to efficiently pollinate and produce nuts.
Mr Prasad, from Rualago, Labasa has been working on beekeeping with his father-in-law, Charles McCay, from 2014.
“My father-in-law taught me most of the things about beekeeping and since then my interest has been growing,” Mr Prasad said.
“Beekeeping helps me build relationships with the people and communities in Vanua Levu.”
The 28-year-old is pursuing a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University South Pacific pursuing.
“I’m also mentoring a few people in beekeeping,” he said.
“At this stage together with my father-in-law, we are conducting beekeeping training and we also do beekeeping contract work.”
Cegu Valley Farm is a 32-acre property facing the ocean in Tabia outside Labasa Town.
At the farm, permaculture techniques are used to sustainably farm the land and create a model community within Fiji.
“At Cegu, one lives a lifestyle that allows individuals to live off the land and in touch with nature and one’s surroundings,” he said.
Below is an excerpt interview with Mr Prasad.
How many places have you visited around Fiji?
I’ve been to the main island, Vorovoro and Nukubati Island.
Nukubati Island Resort.
What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To, And Why?
I would take the visitors to Nukubati Island Resort because they have amazing snorkelling spots.
Lunch Box in Labasa.
What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/Pie, And Why?
Lunch Box in Labasa.
I’m very fond of their iced mocha.
What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot, And Why?
The site of our old house at Rualago, Labasa.
Lots of great memories growing up.
Tavoro Falls, Taveuni.
What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List, And Why?
Taveuni to see the waterfalls and the Tagimoucia flower.
Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj
