Farmer Name: Mr. Emosi Kunawai Location: Nasaucoko Village, Navosa Commodity Supplied: 201 kg of Bongo Chillies Date of Supply: October 9, 2024 On October 9, 2024, Mr. Emosi Kunawai, a farmer from Nasaucoko Village in Navosa, supplied 201 kg of Bongo Chillies at $10 per kg to the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA). This contribution highlights Mr. Kunawai’s consistent efforts in farming and his commitment to supporting the agricultural economy of his community. Challenges Faced Despite his success in supplying such a significant quantity of chillies, Mr. Kunawai faces persistent challenges that affect his farming operations:

• Transportation of Commodities: Transporting produce from his farm to the market is one of the key hurdles. Access to proper transportation infrastructure is limited in his area. To move his produce, Mr. Kunawai relies on trucks, vans, and cars that belong to his relatives in the village and surrounding areas. This arrangement, while helpful, is not always reliable or efficient.
• Access to Services: Beyond transportation, the availability of essential services such as technical advice, timely inputs, and access to markets remains a concern for Mr. Kunawai and other farmers in the region.

Support from AMA Mr. Kunawai expressed his gratitude towards AMA for their invaluable services. By providing marketing support, AMA has played a crucial role in easing some of the financial burdens associated with farming and finding markets for his produce. This assistance has enabled Mr. Kunawai to focus more on production and worry less about how to sell his crops, contributing to the economic stability of his household and the broader community. In conclusion, while there are challenges in transportation and access to services, the partnership with AMA has been a significant relief for Mr. Kunawai and other farmers in Nasaucoko Village.

 

In Fiji’s fertile fields of Ba, a district known for its rich agricultural land lives Mr. Mohamed Shakeel Khan, a resilient pineapple grower. Mr. Khan tends to his flourishing pineapple farm. Like most farmers, Mr. Khan’s journey into farming was marked by perseverance and the challenges that come with being a small-scale farmer in a rural area. His love for farming came from his father, who taught him the art of growing pineapples. However, despite his passion, he found it difficult to make a decent living from his pineapple farm. The main hurdle, once again, was transportation. The cost of transporting pineapples to the nearest market was overwhelming, and many times, he was left with unsold produce that would go to waste. “I used to load up my truck with pineapples, drive for miles, and sometimes return home without selling much,” he explains. “It was disheartening because I knew my pineapples were good, but without a consistent buyer, there was no stability.” That stability came when AMA began working with farmers like Mr. Khan, offering them the convenience of buying their produce directly from their farms. This was a game-changer. AMA’s service meant that he no longer had to worry about the unpredictable nature of market prices or the hefty cost of transportation.

“Since AMA started buying my pineapples right from the farm, I can now focus entirely on growing the best produce. The money I save on transportation is being invested back into my farm and my family’s future,” Mr. Khan said.

The impact of AMA’s support extends far beyond the farm. With consistent income from his pineapple sales, he has been able to make significant improvements to his family’s quality of life. He has built a new home, purchased new farming equipment, and even expanded his farm to include other crops, diversifying his income sources. “My family is much happier now,” he happily says. “We have financial security, and I don’t have to worry about whether or not my pineapples will sell. AMA has provided me with a reliable market, and that has made all the difference.” One of the most profound changes for him has been the ability to focus on long-term growth rather than immediate survival. With AMA handling the marketing and purchasing of his pineapples, he has been able to strategize for the future, exploring ways to make his farm more sustainable and productive. “I can think bigger now,” Mr. Khan says. “AMA has taken away the daily worries, and I am excited about what the future holds for my farm and my family.” “AMA has made all the difference for me and my family and I want other farmers to know that they don’t have to struggle on their own. AMA is here to help, and with their support, we can all grow together,” he said. Mr. Khan would like to encourage other farmers around Fiji to take advantage of the services offered by AMA.