Agriculture student turns backyard into agribusiness

A 19-year-old university student is proving that age is no barrier to entrepreneurship, building an agricultural business from his backyard while studying and funding operations through his scholarship allowance.

Bhaveekesh Reddy, a first-year Bachelor of Agriculture Science student at Fiji National University (FNU), launched Nithyananda Farms Fiji in October this year, selling wholesale seedlings and developing organic fertilizers.

"I don't want to find jobs, I want to create jobs," Mr Reddy said.

"Nothing will stop me from starting my production in January."

He initially operated from a greenhouse at FNU's Nasinu campus before relocating operations to his mother's backyard at Silimaibau Street at Howell Road.

Mr Reddy is using his Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service Toppers scholarship allowance to fund the business while seeking additional support from the Fiji Development Bank and Ministry of Youth and Sports.

His business model includes selling vegetable seedlings like eggplant, tomato and watermelon in 50-cell and 72-cell seed trays.

He is also developing organic liquid fertilizers combined with pesticides—a two-in-one product currently in trial phase.

Bhaveekesh Reddy shows his recycled bottle planting system used to grow seedlings at his home-based farm on December 26, 2025.

Photo: Kaneta Naimatau

Seedlings arranged in grow bags at the backyard nursery operated by 19-year-old agriculture student Bhaveekesh Reddy in Suva on December 26, 2025.

Photo: Kaneta Naimatau

Greenhouse at FNU's Nasinu Campus.

Photo: Supplied

"Agriculture has a lot of potential in Fiji because of the tropical climate," he said.

"You just have to have the vision to look forward."

Mr Reddy's agricultural passion was sparked in Year 10 when he realized his football dreams were limited and needed sustainable income.

Bhaveekesh Reddy while playing soccer.

Photo: Supplied

His mother, a teacher at Rishikul, jokingly predicted his farming future in Year 10—a prophecy now becoming reality.

Despite challenges including limited land and funding, Mr Reddy plans to launch his 2026 production schedule in January, expand into commercial nurseries and hydroponic systems, and eventually reduce Fiji's agricultural imports while creating export opportunities.

"Don't let people who can't do what you do discourage you," he advised fellow youth. "Never give up."

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj