Farming Dreams: How a Community is Thriving with Yaqona Sales

In the month of November, farmers in Wainimala, Naitasiri have noticed positive trends in their marketplace, particularly in the sale of yaqona (kava) and other essential foods. Simione Caginivalu, a seasoned farmer with over 30 years of experience, shared insights about his successful sales, explaining that he recently gained $1700 from just three bags of yaqona.

Caginivalu has been making great strides in using his land effectively and has observed significant improvements in the quality of his produce. He attributes this success to the teachings and encouragement he received from his father about the importance of proper land usage and sustainable farming practices. As he continuously invests effort into his crops, he has experienced a notable transformation in his agricultural endeavors.

Currently, Caginivalu is actively involved in selling various crops such as yaqona, taro, bananas, and other staple foods. With the rising market demand for yaqona, he noted the prices are quite favorable, with rates varying from $80 to $100 per kilogram, depending on the quality. Some farmers in previous weeks have even reached sales figures totaling $200,000 collectively.

Despite the promising market, challenges remain, such as transportation issues that impact delivery and sales. There’s a noted difficulty in moving yaqona from rural areas to market due to logistical hurdles. These issues have led some farmers to pursue more sustainable practices and strategize how to streamline their operations efficiently.

Caginivalu continues to encourage young people to return to their roots, learn sustainable practices, and consider agriculture as a viable career path. He emphasizes that with initiative and proper utilization of land, communities can thrive through agriculture, supporting both sustainability and local economies.

Overall, the article highlights a hopeful narrative in agriculture, illustrating how traditional farming methods and successful community practices can lead to economic stability and the nurturing of future generations.