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From Soldier to Farmer: A Journey of Resilience and Roots

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Anare Saruicava fondly recalls his childhood watching his father sell root crops at the Suva market during the 1970s. Now in his late 60s and a retired member of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Anare’s early experiences ignited his passion for farming, which he pursued alongside his military career.

“My family has been involved in farming for approximately 54 to 70 years, starting when my father grew root crops,” he shared. “We were among the first iTaukei families to sell yaqona at the old Suva market in 1970. Back then, I was still a student and would accompany my father to sell coconuts.”

Reflecting on the changes over the years, Anare noted, “Now the boats are larger, arriving daily in the city, making shopping and commuting much easier.”

Anare currently manages a farm in Namacu village, Koro, where he cultivates kava and dalo among other crops. After dedicating 35 years to the RFMF, including three years in Lebanon starting in 1991 and multiple tours in Sinai, he has returned to his village with his family following his retirement at 65.

“My first dalo harvest was around three tons, and I earned approximately $7,000 from it. Now, I harvest dalo weekly to send to Suva by boat, after which I’ll shift my focus to yaqona,” he explained, adding that he also grows a variety of vegetables.

Currently, yaqona sells for about $90 per kilo, while other crops can reach $100; however, purchasing directly from Koro brings the price down to approximately $50 per kilo. Anare stresses that commercial farming is more challenging than many perceive, as it requires investment and collaboration.

“Farming takes some financial commitment, and forming a partnership to start planting is beneficial. It can be difficult to manage one or two acres alone,” he said. “What is essential in the village is the ability to work together, which can lead to better yields.”

Anare pointed out that they typically plant in hilly areas and then transport their crops to the village before shipping them to the port. The journey from his village to the farm takes him about 45 minutes. He mentioned that the poor state of access roads on Koro remains a significant burden for farmers who commute daily.

“The main issue in Koro is the deteriorating condition of the farm roads. If improvements were made, we could potentially expand our crop production,” he stated, explaining that while some farmers appreciate the rainy weather for planting, others do not.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, he and his fellow farmers pressed on, continuing to cultivate their crops while hoping for the best. He encouraged the public to take steps toward planting crops to help support their families financially.

“Begin planting, even on a small scale; many underestimate farmers, but we can achieve a reliable income,” he advised. “I have managed to sustain my family, and we should always express gratitude for our resources.”

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