Devi Invests In Rice Farm After Husband Dies

Women can be successful rice farmers, says Urmila Devi who has been a rice farmer since 2016 in Naleba, Labasa.

After her husband died in 2015, Ms Devi thought it was time for her to use their 12 acre land to sustain herself financially.

The 54-year-old mother recalled the challenges but her children’s support made her overcome it all.

“My parents were rice farmers and I married one too after completing Year 12 at Bulileka Sanatan College.

“Nothing is impossible if the heart is willing,” the mother-of-three said.

Ms Devi is now a member of Naleba Rice Farmers Cooperative.

After the cooperative received a portable rice mill from Minister Mahendra Reddy, Ms Devi’s work became easier.

“I was very worried; recently with the increasing cost of things and due to old age,” she said.

“But, I can’t give up on farming as this is my main source of income.”

She thanked the Government for the assistance.

“I would like to encourage women farmers to invest into rice farming and take advantage of the incentives provided by the Government,” she said.

“Times have changed and we must accept the fact that the cost of living will continue to increase.”

She is urging children to support their mothers who desire to be rice farmers.