Poonam Priteshma has transformed her childhood passion for poultry into a thriving duck farming enterprise at her farm in Nawaka, Nadi. Since launching her business in 2016 with a single female duck, Poonam and her husband have evolved their venture into a significant supplier of ducklings in western Fiji.
Despite encountering various challenges, including threats posed by predators like dogs and mongooses, as well as the harsh conditions of the rainy season, Poonam’s resilience has garnered her respect in her community. She reflects on the many nights spent safeguarding her livestock, highlighting the commitment essential to agricultural success.
Dedicated to advancing her farming practices, Poonam has invested years into developing crossbreed ducks and chickens, also formulating specialized feeds aimed at ensuring optimal nutrition for her livestock. “We’ve put in a lot of time and effort to make sure our ducks receive the best feed,” she notes, crediting these innovations for the improved quality of her animals.
Now managing a farm with 250 ducks and 100 chickens, Poonam has built a strong reputation that draws buyers from regions as distant as Rakiraki and Sigatoka. Her husband plays a crucial role in farm management and the construction of protective shelters, essential for their business’s ongoing success.
Poonam is passionate about motivating others to chase their agricultural aspirations, urging them to embrace the challenges inherent in farming. “There will always be challenges,” she asserts. “But if you are passionate, keep going.” Her story embodies resilience and creativity, serving as an inspiring narrative for aspiring farmers.
The broader context of Poonam’s achievements reflects the tenacity found within Fiji’s agricultural community, where determination and innovative practices not only foster personal triumphs but also contribute to communal prosperity. This uplifting journey reminds us that with dedication and passion, significant hurdles in agriculture can be overcome.
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