A Labasa farmer is helping transform his community by promoting agriculture as a pathway to stronger livelihoods and improved food security.

Thirty-three-year-old Deepak Chand returned to his hometown of Tabucolatiri in Wailevu after spending 13 years studying and working in Suva. Since returning, he has developed a five-acre mixed-cropping farm and recently expanded with a 20-acre property while also serving the community as an Advisory Councillor and Justice of the Peace.

Chand said he believed leading through action was the best way to encourage others, demonstrating that farming can create opportunities, support families and strengthen communities.

With assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, he helped establish women’s and youth groups that received vegetable seeds, technical guidance and training. The initiative has enabled all 50 households in Tabucolatiri to establish backyard box gardens, boosting household food supplies and helping families cut grocery costs.

The community has also adopted more sustainable farming methods by reducing the use of chemical inputs and turning to organic compost and beneficial bacteria cultures.

The Ministry continues to provide technical support and extension services to communities such as Tabucolatiri to help farmers increase productivity, improve livelihoods and enhance food security.