For many individuals, farming is often viewed as a last resort when other paths become unavailable. Yet for 64-year-old Maikeli Ramaidama, a lifelong commitment to agriculture has profoundly shaped his life and the lives of those around him since he began farming at the age of 18 in the village of Nagadoa, located in Bua’s Dama district.
Over nearly five decades, farming has been a primary source of income for Mr. Ramaidama’s family, enabling them to build homes, travel abroad, and meet community responsibilities. He reflects on his journey, stating, “I didn’t finish school, but I never let that stop me. The land is my teacher, my provider, and my strength.”
His foray into the world of yaqona farming began at 18, where he initially dedicated himself to traditional drying methods. However, his methods evolved significantly with the introduction of the Yaqona Development Program by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, which provided him with $5,000 worth of materials for a solar dryer. This technology has dramatically improved his efficiency, allowing him to dry yaqona in just three days, regardless of weather conditions. “The solar dryer has been a blessing,” he notes, adding that it has safeguarded him against losses due to rain.
Mr. Ramaidama’s hard work has paid off significantly, allowing him to build two houses, purchase a twin cab and a carrier, and even finance his son’s education in New Zealand, which costs around $40,000 per semester. “It still amazes me sometimes. All of these, my home, my son’s education, they have all come from the land,” he shares.
He has also played a pivotal role in community projects, contributing to the upgrades of local facilities such as the church, community hall, and kindergarten classroom. His efforts ensure that future generations have a solid foundation to build upon.
Despite his successes, Mr. Ramaidama acknowledges the challenges that accompany farming, including the effects of aging, diseases that afflict yaqona plants, and the fluctuations in market prices. Nevertheless, his determination remains unwavering as he prepares for the future: “I won’t always be strong enough to go to the farm and dry yaqona, and my children have grown. That’s why I’m preparing now, so when that time comes, I’ll still have something to rely on.”
His message to younger generations is clear: farming should not be seen merely as a fallback option but as a genuine opportunity. “You don’t need a university degree to succeed. If you make use of the land, you can achieve great things, and I am proof of that.”
Similar to Mr. Ramaidama’s experiences, young farmers like 21-year-old Petero Maciu from Nawi Village are also turning to agriculture for sustainable living. Maciu began farming at an early age and has cultivated over five acres of land with yaqona, root crops, and vegetables. He emphasizes the importance of using local resources for self-sufficiency and shares that his commitment has led to significant financial returns.
Both Ramaidama and Maciu exemplify the potential of agriculture not just as a means of survival, but as a pathway to prosperity and community enhancement, inviting others to reflect on the value of farming in achieving personal and communal goals.
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