Nestled in the heart of Naitasiri is Wainanuqa farm which is home to a unique individual whose story beautifully intertwines the worlds of education and agriculture.

Jalal Khan is a dedicated teacher whose passion for farming has not only enriched his life but also inspired his students and community.

Beef farming has been a hobby for Mr. Khan since childhood.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, he embraced farming while pursuing a career in teaching.

"My farming knowledge comes from my family, who have a farm in Navosa. I went on to become a teacher but continued what I grew up with and have a passion for beef farming," he shares.

Balancing the roles of a teacher and a farmer is no small feat, but Mr. Khan manages it with grace and enthusiasm. His passion has allowed him the privilege of owning two farms one based in Navosa while the other in Lomai in Naitasiri managed by Jay Prakash in his absence.

"It depends on the interest of people. When I am stressed from work, I go to my farm. Farming is my escape and my solace," he explains.

Mr. Khan's farm is not just an educational tool; it's a source of pride and sustenance for the community. His farming practices emphasize sustainability and traditional methods, preserving the land for future generations.

He credits the Ministry' of Agriculture and Waterways advice for helping him reach the current state of his farm having a total of more than 130 beef stock in Lomai and 300 up in Navosa. The goat stock is close to 200 and sheep is about 30 in Navosa and 50 in Naitasiri.

He faced challenges such as securing land and clearing forests to make way for his cattle farm, which he learned to overcome.

"When I was teaching in Suva, securing land to farm was hard in the urban area. Then I came across this land in Waidina, Naitasiri, which is also good for rearing cattle," he recounts.

Despite his challenges, he continues to innovate, focusing on indoor farming to improve meat quality and fattening processes to increase cattle weight and income.

Looking ahead, Mr Khan has a vision for his farm.

"From the money earned through livestock farming, particularly beef, we have managed to expand our stock, renovate the farm, and start a shop in Nausori," he proudly states.

His passion for farming is evident in his vision and dedication.

"My point of view is when you have an interest in farming, you will excel. When you have no interest, you will find it hard to farm," he added.

Mr. Khan hopes his story will spark an interest with youths in Fiji especially in considering farming as a business.

“Please stay away from the streets and consider moving back to your villages and settlements to take up farming. I encourage i-taukei youths who have land to start farming. Whether you start as a subsistence farmer, you will eventually grow but you need to start somewhere.”

“Given the many benefits of farming in terms of food security, economic opportunity, and sustainability, by starting with subsistence farming, individuals can eventually scale up and diversify their operations as they gain experience and access to resources, support, and markets,” adds Mr. Khan.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is calling on interested individuals or groups to visit their nearest agriculture station for advice and assistance.

Visiting the nearest agriculture station provides a practical step for those interested in learning more about farming, accessing agro-inputs, and receiving guidance on how to begin and sustain agricultural ventures.

ENDS

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