Sainiani Boila 
[Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways Fiji/Facebook]
Despite his 61 years, dedicated dairy farmer Mitieli Tokaduadua continues his demanding journey, spending hours transporting raw milk by bamboo raft along the Wainibuka River in Tailevu to the main collection point.
This enduring practice is a testament to his dedication to providing for his family and has been a part of Tokaduadua’s life since his youth, having been raised in a dairy farming household.
Tokaduadua still remembers the challenging days when his parents and grandparents carried milk cans for several miles before placing them on rafts to reach the nearest collection point.
[Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways Fiji/Facebook]
“I was born and raised in a dairy farming household, and this is all I have ever known. My success today is because of the passion I have for dairy farming. It was no easy task, but my family persevered through those tough times because we believed in the value of our hard work and the quality of our product.”
Previously, Tokaduadua spent nearly six and a half hours transporting milk to the main road. He emphasized the need to be prepared for varying weather conditions.
[Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways Fiji/Facebook]
Fortunately, those days of struggle are becoming a thing of the past thanks to assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, which provided Tokaduadua with a boat and outboard engine.
This support reflects the government’s broader approach to assisting those in the agricultural sector who are in need, ultimately fostering growth and sustainability in farming practices across Fiji.
Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
