From the window sills of a classroom at Koroqaqa Primary School in Baulevu, Naitasiri, a young schoolboy, Tasweed Zunar Ali, nurtured a dream of becoming a dairy farmer. While his peers leaned towards white- and blue-collar jobs, Ali's passion for farming never wavered.

Growing up, he fondly recalls watching his father, Sahid Ali, tending to the family’s dairy cows just beyond the classroom.

“Our farm was right there, and I would see my father milking cows and taking them to graze. Those moments shaped my desire to help him,” Tasweed said with a smile.

As an only child, his daily routine involved grazing the cows morning and evening and balancing chores with schoolwork. The family later moved to a 42-acre piece of land to establish their own dairy farm with support from extended family, starting with just 20 milking cows.

Despite his father’s hopes for him to attend university, Tasweed’s heart was set on farming.

“Seeing my father work tirelessly softened my heart to support him,” he shared.

After Sahid’s passing in 2021, Tasweed stepped up to manage the farm with the assistance of his mother, Nazreen Begum, and his wife, Zynah Nisha.

“I had to quickly learn the ins and outs of the business—everything from paperwork to feed purchasing. That’s when I truly became a farmer,” he reflected.

Under Tasweed’s care, the farm's stock grew from 20 to 60 cows, with daily milking sessions at 4:30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. This dedicated routine yields an average of 230 litres of milk per day which is supplied to Fiji Dairy Limited.

“It’s a family effort; my wife and a laborer help make milking manageable,” he said.

Despite the challenges of dairy farming, including dog attacks and changing weather patterns, Tasweed remains optimistic.

“We lost 10 cows during the 2010 floods, and we’ve had recent issues with wild dogs attacking calves,” he explained.

“But we’re working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways to address these problems.”

Tasweed has also benefited from the Dairy Extension Program, which provided crucial improvements to pastures and dairy shed management.

“With their help, I’ve planted better grasses and improved our feeding techniques. It has made a significant difference,” he noted.

His message to aspiring farmers is clear.

“Farming is hard work, but it brings fulfilment. Don’t be ashamed of wanting to be a farmer; find joy in your unique talents.”

“Always prioritize hygiene and animal welfare,” Tasweed advised, echoing the care he has for his cows.

“Treat them like family.”

Through perseverance and a deep-rooted passion for dairy farming, this hardworking farmer from Naitasiri, embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication, transforming childhood dreams into a thriving reality.

ENDS

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