The pineapple man – Chand tastes sweet success

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Vikash Chand at his stall at the Lautoka market. Picture: SHIRAZ KASIM

Pineapples are one of the most popular fruits that are widely consumed by human beings on planet Earth because of its seemingly numerous health benefits.

The tropical plants are rich in nutrients loaded with enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants and are a great meat tenderiser. Surprisingly pineapples are low in calories despite its sweetness.

Locally, there are numerous pineapple farmers and sellers tending to the needs of hordes of pineapple lovers.

Vikash Chand is one of the biggest pineapple sellers in Lautoka City and has been involved directly with the edible fruit for more than two decades.

“My parents have been selling pineapples for more than 25 years.

“We have a big family and I’m the only boy. I have six sisters. My mother was engaged in household chores. We were living in a bure house without electricity and proper piped water. We had to fetch water from a well that was located near our dwelling. I used to fetch firewood also. Life was a struggle during my teen years, but despite it all, I managed to get educated up until Year 12.

“I wanted to continue with my education, but financial constraints stopped me from pursuing a career as an accountant.

“The sudden death of my dad led my mum to take charge of a little family business and I assisted her. I was 27 years old when my dad passed away.”

The 47-year-old native of Viseisei, Vuda in Lautoka buys pineapples from various farmers within Lautoka.

“I usually buy pineapples from farmers located in Paipai, Nadari and Manitawa in Lautoka. I also sell dalo and ginger, but the mainstay of my business is pineapples and I sell both the king and queen varieties, although the queens are sweeter.

” My late father started on a small scale, but over the years our business flourished because we used to supply the fruits to a couple of hotels and resorts in Nadi.”

Mr Chand said the lucrative business gave him and his family everything that they owned today.

“The pineapple business, pioneered by my dad, had educated me and my siblings. My father managed to build a three-bedroom corrugated iron and timber dwelling and we even bought a car. My sisters’ marriage expenses were met with the proceeds from our pineapple business. If anyone is focused and disciplined in life, they would be able to enjoy the luxuries of life.”

The father of two children, however, was sceptical because of an influx of pineapple sellers at the Lautoka Municipal Market. “Before, there were just a few pineapple sellers, but now there are quite many vendors selling the fruits

There is a flood of pineapples at the moment, but it’s good for the customers because prices are competitive. I don’t have any complaints despite making less profits. Something is better than nothing.” He said a person would taste success only through hard work. “There are no short-cuts in life. Success only comes to those who are honest and work hard.”

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