Work the land – Reap the rewards of hardwork

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Tara Singh at his home in Maro, Sigatoka. Picture: SUPPLIED

Even at 73 years of age, veteran cane grower Tara Singh can be seen out at his farm.

Mr Singh has been involved in sugarcane farming since his teenage days and has reaped many benefits over the years, all through cane farming.

“My dad came from India when he was 17 years of age, and he always encouraged me to work the land like him, I think I have not done anything else apart from farming in my life,” he said.

Mr Singh said he got married when he was 22 years of age and it was through sugarcane farming that he managed to raise and educate both his daughters, who now reside overseas.

“I was able to educate my daughters right into higher education and one of them is now a doctor in New Zealand.”

Mr Singh said the hardships of sugarcane farming has been around for a long time. However, according to him, a farmer must never give up.

“I had a lot of struggles. There was a year when I had cut only 45 tonnes of cane because of heavy rain. I have seen severe cyclones over the years that have had a lasting effect on me.

“At the same time, the dry season affects our sugarcane, and we could not fetch a good price for the crop.”

He said that in the years 1972 and 1973, he had also gone to New Zealand to work on a sheep farm as well.

Mr Singh said in his life he has learned that we should all live together in harmony.

He said he also likes public speaking to share his thoughts when he is with his friends.

Mr Singh lives in Maro, Sigatoka with his wife and a granddaughter

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