Roots of resilience:

Anand Pillai's 50-year farming legacy in Isinembe

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

ANAND Pillai on his farm in Isinembe.

(MONISHKA GOVENDER)

FOR nearly five decades, Anand Pillai has nurtured the soil of Isnembe, continuing his family's farming legacy despite mounting challenges.

From stagnant prices and extreme weather to security threats and crumbling infrastructure, this 66-year-old farmer's story embodies the resilience and uncertainty facing local agricultural communities today.

Pillai settled in Isinembe in 1976 after moving from land two kilometres away, where his father had worked for one of the large sugar estates owned by Tongaat Hulett.

Today, Pillai continues the agricultural legacy, but under far more uncertain conditions.

"I was born and brought up in farming life. But I am actually a qualified diesel mechanic. I used to work for the Durban Municipality in the bus department.

"After an injury at work, I left in 2003 and went into farming full time."

Pillai's farm is modest, but productive. He grows lime, mint, thyme, spring onions, parsley, rosemary and green turmeric.