Premila Wati recognised after six decades in sugarcane farming

Veteran sugarcane farmer Premila Wati was honoured for six decades of resilience, raising seven children and sustaining her family through sugarcane farming after becoming widowed.

Ms Wati, 77, was among three women recognised during the 2025 Prime Minister’s Sugarcane Farmers Rarawai Mill Awards at the Ba Civic Centre yesterday.

She has spent more than 60 years in sugarcane farming, overcoming major challenges while raising seven children, many of whom pursued higher education and professional careers through her support.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna presented the awards to the recipients.

Ms Wati said the award was a lifetime achievement for her.

Originally from Natawa in Tavua, she married into a farming family at the age of 16 and later managed the farm independently after her husband died in 1997.

Ms Wati managed the farm with the help of labourers while ensuring her children continued their education. At the time of her husband’s death, her youngest son was 11 years old.

The family once owned 82 acres of sugarcane land and later sold 70 acres. They now maintain 12 acres, with 10 acres actively farmed.

Last year, the farm harvested 350 tonnes of green sugarcane, with no burnt cane recorded.

Her daily routine begins at 4am as she balances farm work and household responsibilities.

She also raises cows, goats, hens and ducks, selling produce to support the family.

Through her efforts, four of her children completed university degrees, while two became chartered accountants working overseas.

Ms Wati said she took pride in being self-reliant and preferred earning her own income rather than depending on others.

She took over the family farm and has managed it successfully for nearly three decades.

Despite limited resources and the challenge of raising young children alone, she maintained the farm’s productivity and became a role model for women in her community.

Ms Wati said women now played a growing role in agriculture and encouraged greater female empowerment in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Her story highlights how women can succeed in farming, manage large-scale operations and support their families through hard work and determination.

Mr Tunabuna said the Prime Minister’s Award initiative recognised and rewarded the dedication and hard work of sugarcane farmers.

“It is fitting to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of farmers who continue to sustain the industry despite the many challenges they face daily,” he said.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Best Innovative Farmer

• Ba: Deepak Kumar
• Tavua: Vijendra Narayan Sharma
• Rakiraki: Wasea Patrick Gock

Best Women Farmer

• Ba: Sashi Kiran Pratap
• Tavua: Premila Wati
• Rakiraki: Lalita

Best Sugarcane Farmer

• Ba: Kamlesh Chandra Sharma
• Tavua: Adi Lachmi
• Rakiraki: Ram Ritesh

Best Young Farmer

• Rakiraki: Isoa Bogidrau