At just 21 years old, Petero Maciu is already making a name for himself by utilizing his land to secure his livelihood. Hailing from Nawi, Buca Bay in Cakaudrove, Petero began farming at a young age under the guidance of his father, Sakapo Tui, who encouraged him to make the most of their agricultural land.
In a family of five, Petero is the second eldest child and lives with his parents in their village. He completed his education up to Year 8 but chose not to continue school as he recognized the benefits of agriculture in enhancing his learning and future prospects.
In 2020, he decided to focus solely on his farming endeavors, aiming to improve his yield and not rely on external assistance. He grows a variety of crops, including yaqona, taro, cassava, breadfruit, and other vegetables. This year, he has been busy promoting his yaqona, which he sells at the market in Labasa.
He noted the effectiveness of proper land utilization, stating that it could significantly contribute to improving one’s quality of life. His yaqona fetches prices between $70 to $80 per kilogram in the market, bringing in a notable income of around $11,000 from his initial sales.
Located about five kilometers from his home, Petero diligently works on his land daily. He is determined to overcome challenges for a better future, even occasionally traveling into the bush for additional support.
He feels he has benefited greatly from land cultivation, as it accelerates his means of livelihood. All his efforts are for the betterment of his family, contributing to household expenses and providing for their needs, including the purchase of food and local beverages.
In March of this year, he celebrated his 21st birthday by inviting the community over to share in his achievements. He arranged for two cattle to be slaughtered for the occasion, bringing the village together to partake in the festivities.
Just two weeks ago, he sold some of his produce to make the operations of his farm easier.
Petero stands as an example for other youth in their villages, showing them how to use their time effectively for productive activities. He hopes the government will recognize and support their ambitions to cultivate their land and provide resources necessary for their projects.
Currently, Petero is seeking more help in terms of farming equipment and needs improved infrastructure to aid the efficiency of his produce delivery. He also dreams of building a home for himself and acquiring a working tractor to support his farming activities.
Though he faces challenges like adverse weather conditions and the risk of losing his crops, Petero remains committed to working diligently on his family’s land, believing it will positively impact their community. He emphasizes the importance of valuing their heritage and land use to improve their standard of living in the future.
“Let us move away from a life of dependency; we must heed the advice of our elders and always seek divine guidance in all our endeavors.”