In the Solove Sector of Fiji, a remarkable narrative of determination and innovation is emerging, especially within the sugarcane farming community. Sanjay Murti, a 47-year-old father of two and the founder of Isharat Farm Services, has significantly improved his own life and the livelihoods of numerous cane farmers by becoming a tractor service provider to meet a critical demand in the industry.
After leaving formal education in Form 4, he first worked as a cane harvester before advancing to a managerial role at Food Process (Batiri Citrus Farm). His breakthrough came when he identified a considerable opportunity in Fiji’s sugarcane sector, prompted by a new initiative from the Fiji Sugar Corporation.
In 2022, supported solely by the Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited (FSC) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Murti took a courageous step to establish his transportation services. He saw a pressing need for tractors that impeded farmers from effectively preparing their land. “Many growers couldn’t afford to pay upfront, but with FSC’s business plan and work order system, I could provide services without requiring immediate cash payments,” Murti stated. “It was a win-win for everyone.”
Starting with just one tractor, he leveraged his experience from Food Process to assist local farmers in land preparation. His commitment to reliable service quickly gained him recognition among farmers across the sector. Today, Murti’s operation has significantly grown, now featuring a fleet of six tractors and a variety of essential implements, including disc ploughs, tillers, slashers, and boom sprayers—critical tools for sugarcane farming.
“With perseverance and support from FSC field officials and the team, I was able to grow the business,” he remarked. “The work order system allowed me to operate it like a proper business, and the farmers benefitted as well.”
In addition to his services, Murti has returned to cane farming, cultivating 7.5 acres of sugarcane this year, with plans for further expansion ahead.