Koki Lal, a 74-year-old dairy farmer from Viria, Naitasiri, has dedicated his life to animal husbandry since he was just 18. His journey began in 1970 on his uncle’s farm, where he spent 19 years mastering the ins and outs of dairy farming. Despite the back-breaking work, Mr. Lal saw it as essential for his survival and a pivotal step in his career.
His commitment did not go unnoticed, as his uncle later entrusted him with a 10-acre piece of land to manage. After his tenure on the family farm, Mr. Lal shifted to a private chicken farm, where he was responsible for the care of approximately 50,000 birds. Currently residing with one of his daughters, her husband, and their two sons, Mr. Lal continues to cultivate his dairy farm while adapting to the limitations of age.
“Now, I look after my own dairy farm but do less strenuous work because of my age,” he stated, reflecting on how his responsibilities have evolved over time. Despite the physical challenges he faces, he recalls the difficult early years when his salary was minimal—beginning at just $20 a month and gradually increasing to $80 before he left for better opportunities.
Moving to the chicken farm was a significant turning point, as he earned $95 a week, which allowed him to save and provide comfortably for his family. Today, he manages a herd of 70 cattle, including 16 milking maidens, milking them once daily at dawn with assistance from his daughter. This routine not only helps him manage his physical exertion but also allows him time to engage in other duties on the farm.
His daily tasks include fixing fences, ensuring water supply, feeding animals, and running errands in town. Although Mr. Lal acknowledges that age is becoming a factor, he doesn’t foresee retirement anytime soon. “When you have a farm, you can’t retire. There’s always something to do,” he said, emphasizing the necessity of daily effort in farming.
Mr. Lal believes that this continuous work is beneficial, keeping him active and healthy. At 74, he still rises with the dawn, embodying the spirit of resilience and hard work that has characterized his life. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the rewards of dedication in agriculture, highlighting both the independence it brings and the vital role of farmers in building stable lives.
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