Subashni Lal’s journey from librarian to successful farmer in Ba is a striking example of resilience, innovation, and a spirit dedicated to improving lives through agriculture. Her upbringing in Tabia, Labasa, laid the groundwork for her understanding of rural challenges, which she fortuitously transformed into opportunities.
With academic credentials from the University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University, Subashni commenced her career in education, working as a librarian at institutions such as Labasa Sangam College and Fiji National University. Yet, in a courageous turn of events in 2021, she left her stable job in Suva to fully immerse herself in farming—a decision propelled by her circumstances as a single mother and a fierce commitment to fostering change.
“I had seen the struggles of farm life, but I was confident that things had changed,” Subashni shared. Embracing the evolution of agricultural technology and knowledge, she boldly established Freedom Farms (Fiji), initially developing two plots in Ba. Despite early hurdles, including crop destruction and heavy loss of sugarcane, she pivoted her focus towards high-value cash crops and livestock while investing in essential machinery.
Today, Subashni manages 11 acres dedicated to climate-resilient and export-ready crops, including cassava, papaya, and mushrooms. Notably, her poultry operation showcases sustainable practices such as solar-powered incubators and organic feed sourced from her farm, which contributes to decreased costs and enhanced production efficiency.
Her successful farming efforts have allowed Subashni to not only support her family but also invest back into her community. In 2022, she initiated a women’s farming cluster and became the Vice President of All Women in Agriculture, Ba, facilitating a learning hub that advocates innovative agriculture methods like composting and mushroom cultivation.
Subashni’s partnerships with educational institutions like Nukuloa College amplify her commitment to training future generations of farmers. “Our vision is to create a climate-resilient, self-sufficient farm that not only supports our family but empowers our community,” she stated, underscoring the profound purpose she derives from her farming endeavors.
The local Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, lauded her achievements during a recent visit, pledging governmental support to advance her agricultural initiatives. This recognition marks a significant acknowledgment of grassroots leaders like Subashni, whose innovative approaches are vital to strengthening the agricultural sector in Fiji.
Her story resonates with the narratives of other women in agriculture, such as Olivia Cavuka, who transitioned to farming after significant personal loss, and Tanya Yahuwah, who has made a successful career in orchard farming. All these journeys highlight the parallel themes of resilience and empowerment in the agricultural sector, emphasizing that farming is not just a means of livelihood but a path to community upliftment.
As Subashni continues to forge ahead, her compelling narrative stands as a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative power of farming and the potential for women to break barriers and reshape their destinies for themselves and their communities.
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