Sadiq Khan, on his farm in Navo Nadi. Photo SHEIK DEAN
By SHEIK DEAN
Sadiq Khan has returned to sugarcane farming after a quarter-century absence.
He says he is back because the reforms introduced by the Bainimarama Government brought new hope to this once powerful driver of the economy.
After working as a mechanic and carpenter, he has decided to invest back in the sugar industry with help from Government.
Mr Khan, of Waqadra, Nadi, says he has invested approximately $200,000 developing a 44-acre farm in Navo, Nadi.
“Our Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has helped Fiji revive the sugar Industry over the past few years,” said Mr Khan.
The Fiji Sugar Corporation has helped Mr Khan with the seedlings and fertilisers and expert advice on methods.
At present he is only cultivating two varieties of sugarcane – LF 91 (early maturing) and Ragna (mid-maturing cane) with the rich alluvial soil on his farm.
These two varieties of sugar cane have good maturing time and also very high in sugar contents.
He said: “I thank Mohammed Mohin, Nursery Coordinator FSC Nadi, for helping me with advice and seedlings.
“The price of our sugar has also improved in the international market and this shows the determination of the government to help revive the sugar industry.”
Apart from sugarcane farming, Mr Khan has diversified the farm. He grows cash crops to support his family.
Over the past three years he has been exporting okra and eggplants to New Zealand.
Mr Khan believes investing in farming is investing in a positive future. At Waqadra, he is showing this.