Tomato Farming

Submitted by Narayan24 on Mon, 06/22/2009 - 18:05

Farmers spend their full time working under the scorching sun to generate income for their family and for some, farming is the only source of income.

Farming not only provides income but also ensures the good health and food security of an individual.

Figures released by the Agriculture Ministry revealed that last year Fiji imported 1,328,994 kilograms of tomatoes which represented an increase of 21.40 per cent from the 1,094,546 kilograms imported in 2006.

Travelling towards the sandy and dusty road of the Sigatoka Valley, one will come across a lush green farm flourishing with assorted vegetables

This farm belongs to Anil Kumar, in his 30s who is a hardworking farmer determined to reap the benefits of his hard work.

Mr Kumar is also known as Moon in his area, maybe because of how he has spread his achievement and set an example of successful farming in almost all commodities.

Mr Kumar does share farming on a ten acre of Native leased land and is a well known vegetable farmer in Loma in the Valley Road.

He grows tomatoes, okra, eggplant, chillies, Chinese cabbage, English cabbage besides doing poultry and goat farming.

Mr Kumar comes from an extended family with his wife, two sons, one daughter –in law who are always there to support him on farm and off farm activities.

“I take special interest in tomato farming and I personally believe that there is a lot of money if one plans out its strategies well and implements it successfully,