A group of farmers in Bureiwai, Ra, is proving that local agricultural initiatives can create sustainable success without the need for overseas employment. The Yaukawa Cluster Farmers Group, consisting of 13 members from Soa Village, is dedicated to enhancing their livelihoods through innovative farming methods.
Their agricultural journey began with a focus on local crop cultivation, which has now expanded to include a variety of vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, Chinese cabbage, long beans, chilies, and sweet corn. This diversification has successfully provided a steady income stream, with earnings from long beans and chilies enabling the group to invest in essential equipment like a second-hand digger and a pickup truck for market transportation.
Thanks to their hard work, the weekly payments for group members have risen significantly—from $100 to $160—and they aim to reach $200 by August and potentially $600 by December of this year. Their progress is complemented by the employment of a member dedicated to operating the digger and another who manages transportation and market scouting, ensuring their operations run smoothly.
Beyond financial improvements, the Yaukawa Cluster Farmers Group is passionate about inspiring young Fijians to pursue agriculture as a viable career path. They aim to showcase that sustainable success right at home can flourish through commitment and teamwork. This aligns with related sentiments expressed by other regional farmers, such as Simione Caginivalu from Wainimala, who highlighted the lucrative potential of agriculture and urged youth to return to their roots, thereby addressing urban migration and fostering community resilience.
Overall, the Yaukawa Cluster Farmers Group demonstrates the power of local initiative in agriculture and offers a hopeful perspective on how dedication, combined with collective efforts, can cultivate not only successful individual livelihoods but also contribute to the greater economic health of their community.
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