Rueli Rawalana has always felt a deep connection to his village, vowing never to leave it behind. While many of his peers sought opportunities in bustling urban areas, he chose to remain by his aging father’s side, discovering that hard work in agriculture could lead to success.
“I realized that the same money many people chase after can easily be earned from farming and hard work,” Rawalana remarked. He firmly believes that there is significant potential for profit in farming. “The land can be a gold mine if you have the desire to work hard.”
At just 15, Rawalana’s family transitioned from their village in Serea, Naitasiri, to manage a 40-acre rubber plantation named Veirapa. Following his father’s advice to persevere and cultivate the land for sustenance, Rawalana instilled these values in his two sons. Despite lacking formal education, he has successfully built a house in the village and purchased a car, hoping his sons will build upon his achievements.
At the age of 69, Rawalana rises daily at 5 AM to milk his 35 cows at his small dairy farm, earning about $50 from the milk. He also dedicates considerable time to his taro (dalo) farm. “At my age, that is more than enough to get by. I prefer a simple life free of stress, surrounded by nature and peace, rather than seeking wealth.”
Rawalana expresses concern over the high unemployment rates among young i-Taukei in Fiji’s urban areas. He urges them to return to their villages and work the land. “It’s great to aim high, get a good education, and secure a decent job, but if that doesn’t work out, please go back to your villages. Help your community prosper.”
He warns that if young individuals continue to leave rural areas for cities, contributing to rising crime and engaging in drugs and alcohol, there may be no one left to care for the elderly or tend to the necessary work in the villages.
The next time you purchase liquid or powdered milk, consider the hard labor and dedication of dairy farmers like Rawalana that make such luxuries possible.