THIRTY-TWO-year-old Balbir Singh, founder and manager of Tavua-based Futuristic Farms, was named Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for the second time at the Fiji Development Banks’ National Small Medium Enterprise Awards (NSMEA) at the Grand Pacific Hotel last week.

What began as a movement responding to the increasing effects of climate change in rural Tavua grew into one of Fiji’s promising agricultural ventures that is redefining farming and entrepreneurship for youths in Fiji.

Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Singh said he was shocked and grateful receiving the award for the second time.

“Coming from a small town like Tavua and being recognised again nationally, this is a dream come true,” Mr Singh said.

“This award is not just for me, it’s for every farmer who continues to work despite the odds.”

According to Mr Singh, Tavua is an area that is increasingly being affected by droughts, floods and other extreme weather events but despite these issues, the farm has rapidly expanded since its inception four years ago.

“Currently, we have 30 commercial nurseries, and our recent development is a commercial nursery by the King’s Highway in Kavuli, Tavua,” he said.

After four years of operation, the farm is capable of producing one million seedlings a year and its clientele includes key Government ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Considering the initial purpose of establishing the Futuristic Farms, Mr Singh believes that planting trees is one of the most direct ways to mitigate climate change.

“Our nurseries help restore forests, support agriculture and promote environmental sustainability,” he said.

“We’re not just growing plants we’re growing solutions.”

When questioned about his educational background, Mr Singh openly shared about his struggles academically through his early education journey, failing most exams from year 1 to year 8 but he refused to allow that to define his future.

“Had I stayed within the formal education system or listened to the people who doubted me, I would not be standing here today.

“Now, I’ve built a successful business, created jobs and supported most people in my community.

“I want youth to know you don’t need a university degree to make it.

“What you need is a vision, hard work and a willingness to take risks,” he said.

Futuristic Farms was on the verge of collapsing at a certain stage, he said, and it was through the support of the Fiji Development Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic that Mr Singh’s business regained its footing.

Mr Singh said the assistance from FDB came in perfect time as commercial banks were unwilling to fund his venture.

“FDB believed in me when no one else did, they gave me a loan that allowed me to scale my business and build 30 nurseries in Tavua.

“Without their support, Futuristic Farms wouldn’t exist today,” he said.

For Mr Singh, farming isn’t just a job, it’s a career with very high potential and he wants young Fijians to see it that way too.

“If you’re working in an office, maybe you’ll make $30,000 to $50,000 a year but with farming, if you’re doing it right, you can earn $25,000 a month or more,” he said.

“There’s real money in farming, its not just about hard labour – its smart business.”

As he urged youths to make use of opportunities available in farming, he also acknowledged Government’s support towards the agricultural industry.

“We have one of the most supportive Government in Fiji’s modern history when it comes to agriculture.

“If you’re serious about building a life in farming, there’s no better time to start than now.”

Mr Singh plans to expand Futuristic Farms beyond agriculture. With a background in Tourism from the University of the South Pacific, he envisions to diversify his farm into an eco-friendly hotel development and offering new business models rooted in sustainability.

“In five years’ time, I want Futuristic Farms to be known not just for seedlings, but as a symbol for success in multiple sectors.

“I have my education in tourism, so I see myself and my family venturing into tourism sector with hotel development.”

Furthermore, Mr Singh hopes to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs especially those from rural backgrounds to pursue farming as both a calling and a viable economic path.

“This award motivates me, but more importantly, it motivates my community.

“It tells people in Tavua and across Fiji that no matter where you start, you can build something that makes a difference,” he said.