Jashween Maharaj with his boat he bought through the Northern Development Programme (NDP) grant. Photos: Wati Talebula
Jashween Maharaj while helping around in his brother’s farm applied for the Northern Development Programme (NDP) grant in 2014.
The 30-year-old never thought that he would own a boat at a young age and through the grant it was possible for him to have his own boat.
“I received the grant in 2014 and also got a loan from a bank. I was able to buy a boat and engine,” Mr Maharaj said.
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“We go fishing whenever we can and that depends mainly on the weather. The weather is one of the challenges that we face. When I don’t go fishing then my crew does.”
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He said the cash that he receives from the selling of his catch benefitted his family.
“Now I earn $600-$700 a month and have paid off my loan. I also bought a vehicle and have diversified to poultry farming,” Mr Maharaj said.
“I plan to purchase another boat because I have seen the benefits of going fishing. The NDP grant has really helped me start something and for that I am very grateful.”
He said he was also thankful for his family’s support and for believing in him.
NDP is a government funded programme given to improve the livelihood of the people in the Northern division.
Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar
Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj
