Growing up in a farming community in Navua, Kirti Krishika Lal enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially assisting her family working in the rice paddock. So it came as no surprise that Lal decided to pursue studies in agriculture at university.
According to Lal, the hands-on training with the blend of theoretical study offered at the Fiji National University (FNU) encouraged her to enrol after she completed high school.
Now, the 26-year-old is a proud graduate in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture programme from FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF).
Throughout her three years of study, Lal said a major highlight was her work placement with the Ministry of Agriculture, where she was based in the crop extension unit for six months and spent three months working in the Ministry’s farm management unit.
The successful alumna mentioned that the practical component of her studies was an incredible experience that accelerated the overall learning experience and highlighted the importance of gaining on-site knowledge.
“I enjoyed my first experience in the work environment. From fieldwork, interacting and counselling farmers to report writing and providing assistance in miscellaneous office errands, I have done it all. I was also able to develop good interdisciplinary communication skills through my experience of working with a versatile and experienced team,” said Lal.
Looking back on her time at FNU, Lal is grateful to have gained the amount of hands-on experience she did, helping her to thrive in her current position working as the farm supervisor at Pacific Feeds PTE Limited’s Lily Dale Farm in Bau, Nausori.
“Being a supervisor comes with a lot of responsibilities and as the supervisor on-site, on and off hours, I have about ten staff directly reporting to me daily working in the different areas on the farm. I not only handle the office and paperwork but am involved with the on-hands job assisting my workers on the farm,” stated the FNU graduate.
According to Lal, the agriculture sector is a key contributor to Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and there are many opportunities that people can pursue to become successful agripreneurs. Hence she is encouraging prospective students to delve deeper into this area.
“FNU’s Bachelor of Science in Agriculture programme has offered me the unique opportunity to work in close contact with the lecturers and tutors. I formed great friendships and was always comfortable asking for help from the teaching staff.”
“At the same time, the University’s connection with industry partners has enabled me to learn directly from those in the workforce and the skills gained will no doubt help me well into the future.”
Reminiscing her earlier days, Lal said her late father and her mother were her biggest motivation and although she misses her father, she is thankful to her family, especially her sister Reshmi Lal, for guidance and always believing in her.
Her advice to current and prospective students is “Enjoy your university life to the fullest, but prioritise your studies simultaneously because what you do in the present decides your future.”