Iowane Sovatabua, a former police officer, has found a renewed sense of purpose as a yaqona farmer in Namosi. After dedicating years to an eight-to-five city job to support his family, Mr. Sovatabua made the pivotal decision to return to his village and cultivate the land he cherishes.
For over three decades, he has embraced farming, believing it to be one of the most rewarding professions available. “While many celebrate having a good job, cultivating the land heals the soul,” he remarked. His journey in the workforce included roles in the Fiji Police Force and as a security officer, but he ultimately realized that neither position brought him the happiness or financial fulfillment he sought.
Upon returning to his village, Mr. Sovatabua expanded his yaqona farm, with the assistance of his son. They harvest plants that are five to six years old, navigating a 30-minute uphill trek to reach their fields. Acknowledging the physical toll of age, he relies on his son for the heavier tasks, expressing gratitude for the help he receives in maintaining the farm. “He is a great help when it comes to keeping our farm clean,” he noted, emphasizing their teamwork in clearing, planting, and caring for the crops.
Recently, he harvested five-year-old yaqona plants and found that a single sack could yield between $800 to $1,000, depending on its fullness. Through his farming efforts, Mr. Sovatabua has managed to support his family and fulfill obligations to the village and church. He confidently compares his farming income to that of his previous career, highlighting a significant difference in earnings.
Encouraging others to embrace agriculture, he advises his sons and community members to consider farming as a viable means of livelihood. “Today, the demand for both dry and green kava is high, and buyers come right to our doorsteps,” he explains. He firmly believes that with dedication and hard work, anyone can thrive in farming, especially in light of the increasing opportunities presented by the market.
Mr. Sovatabua hopes to inspire more Fijians to make productive use of their land, ultimately enabling them to provide abundantly for their families and communities. His story is a testament to the values of hard work, resilience, and the fulfilling power of working the land.
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