Rueli Rawalana, dedicated to his village, chose to stay with his aging father rather than moving to urban areas like many of his peers. He discovered that hard work on the land could lead to financial success. “I realized that money can be made from farming and effort,” he stated. He emphasized that the land holds potential wealth for those willing to put in the work.
At just 15, Rawalana’s family transitioned from their village in Serea, Naitasiri, to a 40-acre rubber plantation named Veirapa. He recalls his father urging him to cultivate the land to sustain their family. Rawalana, now 69, has accomplished much without formal education, having built a home and purchased a car, aspirations he hopes his sons will build upon.
Despite the current cold weather, he begins his days at 5 a.m. to tend to his dairy farm, where he milks his 35 cows and earns around $50 daily. He also dedicates significant time to his dalo farm. “At my age, that is enough for me. I seek a simple life surrounded by nature rather than wealth,” he shared.
Concerned about the high unemployment rates among i-Taukei youth in Fiji’s urban areas, Rawalana encourages them to return to their villages and work on the land. He believes it’s important for young people to take responsibility for their communities rather than contributing to rising crime and substance abuse in cities.
As consumers reach for dairy products, Rawalana’s story serves as a reminder of the hard work that goes into farming, highlighting the dedication of dairy farmers in providing these goods.