Abi Ram at his farm in Belego in Savusavu February 15, 2018. Photo: Wati Talebula
Abi Ram of Belego in Savusavu has been a vegetable farmer for the past 21 years.
The father-of-three is one of the Northern Development Programme (NDP) grant recipients. He received $2240 NDP grant and $1000 loan from a bank.
He bought a power tiller, brush cutter and farming tools.
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“I was farming before, but never on this large scale. I was able to do large scale with the help of my new machines,” Mr Ram said.
“I earned $400 a month before and now I get approximately $2000 a month. The new machines have really boosted my vegetable farm.”
Mr Ram said the main challenge they face was drought and floods which affected his farming business.
“My customers are from Savusavu. Once I got the grant plus the income generated from the vegetables, I was able to pay off the loan I took to buy the land,” the 51-year-old said.
“My son helps me full time. Now I plan to buy a vehicle for my farm. I also work as a backup, especially during drought and flooding to buy groceries for the family.”
Mr Ram was also able to extend his house from tne income earned.
Edited by Percy Kean
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