Teacher-turned-beekeeper wins top agriculture award

Once a teacher, always a teacher for Jean Tikram.

The 64-year-old beekeeper scooped the Woman Livestock Farmer of the Year award during the National Agriculture Show Awards at Koroivolu Park in Nadi last week.

Born in South Africa, Ms Tikram travelled to Fiji decades ago to work as a teacher at the International School. After retiring, she continued her passion for teaching, this time with a different audience.

She has been a farmer for 15 years and owns a farm at Waitika in Wairuku, Rakiraki. She is married to Anil Tikram, and they have two children. Ms Tikram’s love for teaching was never confined to the classroom. She extended it to helping rural women through farming.

 “I have, to date, trained many potential apiarists and entrepreneurs (particularly women and youth) and most recently have worked with Fiji beekeepers and other funders in the facilitation of various workshops on value-added wax products for both local as well as regional participants,” she said.

“I have set up apiaries for resorts and trained staff in the management of these. My biggest strength is my passion. Passion for sustainability, for bees, for creating beautiful hive products and sharing this knowledge that I have gained over time.”

She said being a farmer has been rewarding and was honoured to receive the award from the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran.

Ms Kiran was encouraged by the strong participation of women and youths in the  awards.

“Your presence is proof that agriculture is a powerful pathway for empowerment, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development,” Ms Kiran said.

“For the Best Woman Farmer Award, we are honouring the resilience, creativity, and leadership of women who are breaking barriers and proving that agriculture belongs to everyone,” Ms Kiran said.