Riya Risha Goundar has always been fascinated by farming.

This was because of the endless teachings and witnessing the hard work displayed by her grandmother on their farm.

The 18-year-old first-year student at Fiji National University’s Ba Campus joined the College Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) pursuing the programme, Certificate in Agriculture (Level 3).

This is one of the pioneer programmes for CAFF offered at the FNU’s Ba Campus.

Riya Risha Goundar

Goundar completed her secondary school education at Tavua College last year.

She shared that it was a blessing in disguise for her to see her grandmother out on the field daily.

“My grandmother was the first person who got my attention in this field of work,” she said.

“I have spent years learning from her and now I plan to do this programme. She became my inspiration because she is a farmer and does interesting work in the field.”

“I get my inspiration from watching her skills and talents as a female farmer.”

Her goal is to become a successful woman in agriculture and become an inspiration for others just like her grandmother.

Goundar highlighted that her choice of becoming a student at FNU was the only avenue for her to have her dreams turned into reality.

“I must say that FNU turns our dreams into reality and gives us success; choosing FNU was the best decision I have ever made,” she added.