Lautoka farmer urges children to care, respect parents

Lautoka farmer and market vendor Usman Ali high­lighted the importance of children taking care of their parents including their fathers.

"My children take care of me very well," Mr. Ali said.

Mr Ali, 62, originally from Ba, resides in Lautoka, where he has a small piece of land for farming purposes.

Reflecting on the significance of Father's Day, Mr. Ali urged children to recognise and respect the efforts of their parents.

"They should be mindful of the struggles of their par­ents, especially fathers, in ensuring they have all the ne­cessities of life; the children should respect and take care of their parents," he said.

Despite challenges such as flooding that forced him to sell his twelve-acre farm, he has managed to support his family and invest in assets including cars, trucks, and a house.

"Farming has assisted my six children to get educated and become successful in life, as two of my children are overseas," he said.

Currently, Mr Ali runs a five-acre farm in Ba with his two sons, cultivating watermelon, radish, pumpkin, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and okra.

While farming and selling vegetables remain good sourc­es of income, he notes the difficulties posed by inflation.

"The income is sufficient for three people in my family. This is despite inflation and a decrease in customers as people have lined up with stalls in most places in Lautoka apart from the market."

He also raised concerns about the impact of additional market stalls in areas like the satellite market near Ta­vakubu, which has affected sales at the Lautoka market.

Despite these concerns, he is grateful for all that he has and the support of his children.

Mr Ali has been in the business for 40 years and he has been able to raise his children with hard work and grit.

This he has also imparted on his children and today he is proud and happy with the bonding and relationship he shares with his children.

Feedback: zalika.ali@fijisun.com.fj