Before the sun rises over the Naduri Settlement near Viria Village in Naitasiri, Ashika Devi is already beginning her day. At 4:30 AM, while most of Fiji is still asleep, she prepares breakfast and gears up for another demanding day at the dairy farm, which has been a cornerstone of her family’s life for generations.
By 6 AM, Ashika is hard at work in the milking parlour, following the traditional methods her parents used—milking by hand. Unlike many modern dairy operations, there are no automated systems in place; just the familiar routine of caring for the cows and the steadfast determination that has characterized their family for years. The warm scent of bovine breath fills the air as each cow is gently secured, and Ashika draws the milk using hands calloused from years of hard work, each touch telling a story of endurance and patience.
For many years, Ashika worked closely with her mother, Satya Wati, who at 73 years of age, continues to play a vital role in the operation. Satya married into a dairy farming family decades ago and stepped up to manage the farm after her husband, Chandar Pal, passed away in 2003, leaving her with five children to support alongside the family farm.
Today, they manage around 50 cows on their 104 acres of freehold land. Ashika recalls her early days in dairy farming, starting in 2005: “It was difficult at first. I was afraid of the cows and couldn’t even hold the teats properly. Now I am a professional and no more afraid of cows.”
The farm produces up to 110 litres of milk each day, with milking occurring seven days a week. After the milking is done, the cows are allowed to graze freely, instinctively returning to their water sources and back to the barn each morning, guided by years of learned routine.
Despite the relentless demands of dairy farming—rising operational costs, financial difficulties, and environmental challenges that have driven many family farms to close—Ashika and her mother have been able to persevere, thanks in part to support from Fiji Cooperative Dairy Company Ltd. This organization provides assistance with pasture management, feed grants, and valuable advice, helping them sustain their operation.
The long hours and arduous labor may be daunting, but their determination remains unwavering. Ashika and Satya exemplify resilience, showcasing how the spirit of hard work and commitment can keep a family and a farm thriving, even in challenging times. This inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of legacy in agriculture and the enduring bond between mother and daughter.
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