In 1976, an article in The Fiji Times highlighted the story of Sailosi Raisele, a retiree who transitioned to farming on his leasehold land in Naceva, Beqa, after serving as an adviser for four years. At the age of 66, Raisele demonstrated a disciplined approach to agriculture that has significantly contributed to his well-being.
Raisele spoke out about the detrimental effects of yaqona overindulgence among the youth in his community, emphasizing the adverse impacts on productivity and health. He cultivated a diverse mix of crops on his 75-acre farm, including 71 acres of coconuts, 2,500 yaqona plants, and 20,000 tomato plants. Although yaqona thrived in his field, he encountered hurdles in large-scale production due to a shortage of planting materials, which he received from an agricultural officer.
His main income source stemmed from tomato sales, which averaged over $1,500 monthly through multiple trips to Suva. In discussing his sales experience, Raisele revealed the challenges he faced, particularly in negotiating prices with middlemen who exploited the perishable nature of his produce, ultimately affecting his earnings.
Despite these struggles relating to market access and high operational costs, Raisele employed casual workers at modest wages to assist with harvesting and arranged transportation to ensure his goods reached market. His experience highlights the broader challenges confronting farmers, especially regarding transportation logistics and market dynamics.
In a positive light, similar articles have noted a resurgence in agricultural activities throughout Fiji, indicating optimism within farming communities. Farmers such as Anare Saruicava and Simione Caginivalu have reported successful outcomes from cultivating yaqona and dalo, resulting in improved living standards in their regions. These stories emphasize the pivotal role that local agriculture plays in Fiji’s economy, promoting sustainable practices and collaboration among farmers to boost productivity.
As these farmers work towards revitalizing traditional agricultural practices and fostering community engagement, there is a hopeful trend emerging. Despite ongoing challenges, Fiji’s agricultural sector shows significant potential for growth, prosperity, and a return to the roots of local farming. This movement may inspire younger generations to embrace the agricultural industry, paving the way for sustainable development and communal resilience.