Petero Maciu, a 21-year-old from Nawi village in Cakaudrove, is encouraging young people to make use of unused land in their communities to foster sustainable living.
Having embraced farming from a young age, Mr. Maciu is benefiting from his efforts as he cultivates yaqona, root crops, and vegetables on over five acres of clan land. He expressed gratitude to his father, Sakapo Tui, for inspiring him to harness the potential of their land.
“My father always encouraged me to utilize the land for a better life,” Mr. Maciu shared. “It’s time we return to the practices of our ancestors, working the land and reaping the rewards, instead of depending on others for our food.”
He has no regrets about leaving school after Class Eight. “I don’t want to return to education because the returns from the land are far greater than what I would earn by continuing my studies,” he stated.
His commitment to farming yielded impressive results, with his initial yaqona harvest in 2023 earning him over $11,000. He markets his produce, which includes yaqona, cassava, dalo, and bananas, at the Labasa Market, where yaqona fetches between $70 to $80 per kilogram.
Mr. Maciu highlighted the importance of dedication, explaining that he often walks five kilometers to his farm and sometimes stays overnight to maximize efficiency. “Despite the distance, I never gave up. I believe if all Fijians, especially iTaukei, utilize the land, it could alleviate many issues in Fiji, including poverty.”
From his earnings, he has been able to support his family, invest in agricultural tools, and even celebrate his birthday. “I turned 21 in March and wanted to surprise my family, so I bought two cows and invited the villagers to celebrate,” he said.
Recently, Mr. Maciu acquired a twin cab vehicle to facilitate the transportation of his crops to the market. His future aspirations include building his own home, purchasing land in town, and acquiring a tractor to enhance his farming operations.
His message to the youth is clear: “If you find yourself with idle time, take the opportunity to plant something. The rewards will come in time. We must honor God daily, as He is our source of strength in all aspects of life.”