Koki Lal, a devoted 74-year-old dairy farmer from Viria, Naitasiri, has dedicated his life to animal husbandry for over five decades. His journey began at the young age of 18 when he started working on his uncle’s farm, which laid the foundation for his extensive knowledge in dairy farming. Despite the back-breaking labor, Lal persevered, recognizing the importance of his hard work for his survival.
His dedication did not go unnoticed, as his uncle later entrusted him with a 10-acre plot of land to manage. After spending 19 years on his uncle’s farm, Lal transitioned to a private chicken farm where he took care of up to 50,000 birds. Now a father of four and residing with his daughter, her husband, and their two sons, he has transitioned to managing his own dairy farm, maintaining a more manageable routine as he ages.
Reflecting on his past, Lal recalls the struggles he faced early on, often receiving meager wages that only slightly increased over time. A change to the chicken farm improved his financial situation significantly, allowing him to earn $95 a week and better support his family.
Currently, Lal oversees 70 cattle, including 16 milking maidens, and begins his day with milking at dawn, aided by his daughter. This single morning milking routine allows him the leisure to rest during the heat of the day. Beyond just a source of income, running his own dairy farm has provided him with independence and the chance to engage in numerous tasks around the farm, whether it’s repairing fences, checking the water supply, or handling errands in town.
Despite the challenges of advancing age, retirement is not on his radar. “When you have a farm, you can’t retire,” Lal states, emphasizing that the daily demands keep him physically active and healthy. At 74, he continues to rise before the sun, embodying the spirit that a dedicated farmer can indeed create a fulfilling and stable life through hard work.
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