For 51-year-old Ujagar Singh Sahota, farming is more than a livelihood, it is a legacy, a way of life deeply rooted in the land he calls home.

From the Vunirewa Estate in Dreketi, Macuata, he has spent decades overcoming challenges, adapting to change, and proving that success is found not in shortcuts but in perseverance.

In 2001, Ujagar began farming at the estate as a livestock farmer, raising cattle, sheep, and goats. But in 2015, he saw an opportunity to shift gears, transitioning into assorted vegetables, a move that allowed him to harness the rich soil while rotating crops to preserve the land’s health.

His 250 acre property, with 50 acres dedicated to rice, vegetables, now thrives with yams, watermelon, ginger, and more. Farming in Dreketi comes with its own set of obstacles, perhaps none greater than crossing the river.

Living on the other side of the Dreketi River, Ujagar had to transport his tractor using bamboo in 2015, carefully following the tides. When he later bought a second, heavier tractor, the process became even more complicated, requiring a complete reconstruction of the road to bring it across.

“It wasn’t easy. We had to follow the tide when it was low, that’s when we moved everything. The river controls what we do, we just have to work around it,” he recalls.

His farm has grown alongside his dedication. With seven laborers, his operation supplies to Extra Supermarket and New World, delivering high quality produce that keeps his buyers satisfied.

Climate change has forced him to adapt, leading him to install sprinklers to combat dry spells, while shifting crops to the hillside during rainy seasons. 

But it’s not just the farm that defines Ujagar, it’s his resourcefulness and vision.

His business mindset led him to phase planting for yam, watermelon, and ginger, ensuring continuous harvests to meet high demand.

He even reserves one acre specifically for rice to feed his 10 dogs who have been assisting him in protecting his farm.

“In farming, you have to think beyond today,” he says. “If you plant smart, you’ll always have something ready for the market. That’s how you stay ahead.”

His ability to value-add rejected produce has turned potential losses into gains, transforming flour, ginger, rice, and corn into useful products rather than allowing them to go to waste.

The commitment is further strengthened by his family, his wife, Laisa Bera, and his son, Navtej Singh, who work alongside him, ensuring that their farm remains productive and sustainable.

Additionally, his laborers play an essential role in maintaining daily operations, helping to bring his vision for agriculture to life. Their teamwork reflects the true essence of farming, where dedication, family, and perseverance come together to create lasting success.

His biggest turning point in rice farming came in 2024, when the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways provided a rice reaper, making harvesting far more efficient after years of manual cutting.

He was also assisted with land preparation machines, allowing him to farm with greater ease and productivity. Despite the challenges, Ujagar never wavers in his belief that farming is an opportunity, not just an occupation.

“When you work properly, do your best. Treat your farm like it’s your everyday job, as if you’re working for someone else. And most importantly, farm with heart.”

Through river crossings, changing climates, and the daily demands of agriculture, Ujagar has built a life that reflects his philosophy.

With the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, which has provided essential resources, farmers like Ujagar continue to expand their operations, adopt innovative practices, and strengthen Fiji’s agricultural sector.

-ENDS-

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