More Than Just A News Man, Viliame Puts To Practise Farming Knowledge

He is more than just a face on national television, he is a family man, and now an enthusiastic backyard gardener.

Fiji Television Limited news anchor, Viliame Leqanidruaivalu, put to practise his only knowledge of planting from the parable of the sower in the Bible, killing two birds with one stone.

Not only did he spend more time with his family during this COVID-19 crisis, his family is assured of fresh and healthy vegetables, saving them money and time from buying elsewhere.

Mr Leqanidruaivalu said there was no looking back after they saw cabbage seeds sprouting.

“The children were excited and we knew our lives were about to change. We have since planted French and long beans, okra, tomatoes, English cabbages, baby carrots, cucumbers, capsicum, eggplants, pumpkins, cantaloupes and a variety of herb,” he said.

“It is very therapeutic. And knowing that one day we will be eating from our very own garden is all the motivation we need.”

The idea of having a backyard garden was always part of the family, and it needed a little inspiration to make it a reality.

When it was announced that school would remain closed until mid year, Mr Leqanidruaivalu decided to take a second week off from work and spend time with his family in Nadi.

“This was something my wife and I had been planning to do for many years but could never find the time. Now with all the free time that came with the movement restriction, there was no escaping it,” Mr Leqanidruaivalu said.

It also helped with inspirational home gardening initiatives by lawyer Filimoni and Sera Vosarogo and Sukhia Go, he added.

“This is the good thing about Facebook during these times. You can inspire others from a distance.”

With limited knowledge of farming, Mr Leqanidruaivalu has mastered the notion of trusting the process.

“How to identify a good soil. Well it turned out that those were the basics we needed to know. The rest we drew from the experiences of others, and of course trust God, who ultimately makes it grow,” he said.

“It’s amazing how farming changes your perspective on things. We are paying more attention now to our compost bin, which had been sitting empty in our backyard. We are keeping seeds and vegetable cuttings that can be transplanted.

“My wife, for instance, refused to buy a jerry can and insisted we puncture holes on a bottle cap and use the plastic bottle to water the plants. The initiatives are endless and it’s all part of the adventure,” he added.

Mr Leqanidruaivalu acknowledged his wife, Maria, and his five children, in helping with their family initiative.

He said one of his daughters studying agriculture at the Fiji National University in Koronivia was also their inspiration.

“She was also the one pushing us to invest in a farm. She’s got her wish now,” he said.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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