At 54 years old, Mohammed Taiyab walks through his sprawling livestock farm in Cawalevu, Dama, Bua, reflecting on a life built through hard work, resilience, and an unwavering passion for farming.
Unlike his siblings, who pursued careers in medicine, he chose a different path, one that led him to success in ways he never imagined.
Born into a farming family, Mohammed completed his education up to class six at Dama District School before joining his father on the farm.
His grandfather had initially purchased 205 acres of land, later dividing it among his children. Mohammed’s father entrusted him with 34 acres, where he would go on to establish his livestock farm, a decision that would shape his future.
“I never had the chance to study like my brothers and sisters,” he shares.
“But I knew that if I worked hard, I could achieve something great. The land gives you everything, you just have to use it wisely.”
Over the years, Mohammed has grown his farm into a thriving enterprise. Today, he owns 20-plus cows, 60-plus sheep, 40-plus goats, and 42 beehive boxes with beekeeping proving to be one of his most productive ventures, yielding an impressive 600 liters of honey per harvest.
Recognizing his dedication, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways assisted him by providing a queen bee, along with training in honey production, further strengthening his expertise. But Mohammed’s ambitions didn’t stop at farming.
With the profits he earned, he purchased the Dama Shopping Centre, strategically located by the roadside. What began as a small shop with just $500 has since expanded into a fully operational business.
“The name ‘Dama Shopping Centre’ came from my connection with Bulidama,” he explains. “It was just a small idea at first, but I was determined to make it grow.”
His business extends beyond retail, he now owns three houses in Labasa, with two rented out and one reserved for his daughter.
The foundation for his financial success, however, can be traced back to his earliest days as a young entrepreneur.
“When I left school, I started selling bean and peanuts at the Nabouwalu Jetty,” he recalls.
“Then I sold yaqona. After getting married, I started selling cabbages, 20 bundles a day. In a week, I earned $100. I used $20 for my family and saved the rest in the bank. That’s how I learned to grow my money.”
The turning point came in 1991, when he purchased his first goat, marking the official beginning of his livestock farming journey. With every new venture, Mohammed took small but calculated steps toward expansion, combining his farming knowledge with business experience to create a sustainable livelihood for himself and his family.
Despite his success, he remains deeply grounded and keen on advising younger generations.
His message is simple, use wisdom, work hard, and avoid distractions.
“If you are wise, you can achieve great things,” he says firmly.
“People waste too much time on Facebook and drinking too much. I only studied up to class six, but I learned everything I needed through farming. You just have to be willing to work.”
Mohammed’s journey embodies perseverance, vision, and the undeniable truth that success is not solely defined by formal education.
With unwavering determination, he has built a thriving farm and business, proving that passion and hard work can transform dreams into reality.
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