Khan Family Nursery Thrives as Key Partner in Fiji's Reforestation Efforts
Amid the lush landscapes of Ciri,
Sigatoka, Shahin Khan and her family have transformed a long-held dream into a
thriving reality.
After three decades on their family farm where her husband was born, the Khan family has established Shahanas Nature Paradise, a nursery that now plays a pivotal role in Fiji’s forest restoration efforts. This project reflects their deep dedication to sustainability, community and the future of Fiji’s natural landscape.
For Shahin and her husband, farming has always been central to their lives. Their land, originally dedicated to sugarcane has since expanded into sandalwood farming, motivated by a vision for self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture.
“We’ve always wanted our children to be independent and to establish their own business. That’s how we got into nursery and sandalwood farming,” Shahin said.
The family’s nursery business was sparked by Shahin’s daughter, whose passion for agriculture brought Shahanas Nature Paradise to life.
“She was excelling in her agriculture studies and showed a keen interest in raising seedlings, so we supported her to pursue it. This nursery was truly her inspiration,” Shahin said.
As the Khans developed their nursery, they sought technical assistance from the Ministry of Forestry. This guidance enabled them to become part of the Ministry’s ambitious “30 Million Trees in 15 Years” programme, which aims to reforest degraded land across Fiji.
Their involvement in this program has been transformative for both their family and their farm.
Leveni Duvuduvukula, Acting Forester Extension in the Western Division, explained that seedlings purchased from community nurseries like the Khans’ are used in the Ministry of Forestry’s plantation drive to restore degraded land under the Reforestation of Degraded Forest (RDF) Project. This government-funded initiative includes budget support to community groups and individuals engaged in nursery work, with the goal of planting 30 million trees over 15 years.
“So far this year, a total of $73, 253 has been paid out to 38 vendors or individuals within the three provinces in the Western Division under this initiative,” Mr. Duvuduvukula said.
In 2020, the Ministry team planted 500 sandalwood seedlings on the Khan family’s land, purchased from their own nursery.
Shahin noted that these seedlings have since grown into “mother trees,” now yielding seeds that will support their continued reforestation efforts.
The nursery has flourished into a reliable source of income for the family. Over the past year, Shahanas Nature Paradise earned $25,000 from seedling sales to the Ministry of Forestry, enabling further business expansion. This revenue also allowed the family to invest in a property for their daughter, Shahana, who won the prestigious Best Sandalwood Farmer Award in 2020.
Today, the Khans’ nursery has a diverse inventory, including sandalwood, Vesi, kumquat, avocado, Hawaiian papaya, and various vegetables. They’ve also created local employment opportunities, hiring women from nearby villages to help with seedling preparation and potting.
“It may take a year to see the return on your investment, but it’s worth it. We reinvest part of our income back into the nursery, buying materials and expanding our setup. Now, we have about 10 to 12 nurseries,” Shahin said.
However, their journey has not been without challenges. One ongoing issue is water supply, which is essential for maintaining plant health.
“We use well water, but sometimes the supply is affected. We’ve installed a reserve water tank to ensure our plants are always well-watered,” Shahin shared.
Despite the hurdles, the family remains optimistic. The Ministry of Forestry’s support has been invaluable, with forestry officers regularly visiting to offer guidance.
“We are grateful to the officers in the Ministry of Forestry Western Division. They do such great work looking after us farmers,” Shahin said.
She hopes her family’s success will inspire young people to consider careers in agriculture.
“Some students may not land white-collar jobs, but they could find great opportunities in farming. The returns from farming can often exceed earnings in other fields, providing a steady flow of income,” she added.
As key contributors to Fiji’s forest restoration movement, the Khans demonstrate the potential for community-rooted businesses to make a significant impact on sustainable development. Their journey is a testament to how small efforts can contribute meaningfully to environmental preservation.
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