Petero Maciu, a 21-year-old farmer from Nawi, Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, shares his experiences and challenges in farming to provide for himself. The younger son in a family of five, Petero was encouraged by his father, Sakapo Tui, to embrace agricultural practices from an early age.
Petero ceased his formal education in the eighth grade, recognizing the potential benefits of farming. In 2020, he made a commitment to focus solely on farming, ensuring he would not depend on others for support. He cultivates land belonging to the Koronicivaciva clan, where he grows crops such as yaqona, dalo, jaina, niu, and other vegetables.
Currently, Petero sells his yaqona at the Labasa market, where he highlights the economic viability of land usage. The price for his yaqona ranges between $70 and $80 per kilogram, contributing to his earnings of approximately $11,000. Covering about five kilometers daily, Petero diligently tends to his crops to alleviate the hardships of poverty.
Petero occasionally has to clear brush to facilitate his farming practices. He acknowledges that the benefits of farming have greatly improved his life and that of his family. His family has benefitted substantially from his endeavors, allowing them to acquire necessities and invest in farming supplies.
In March of this year, Petero celebrated his 21st birthday by preparing two bulls and inviting local residents to enjoy the festivities. Recently, he also initiated measures to streamline his farming operations to enhance the sales of yaqona and food products.
Petero serves as a positive example to other young people in his community, encouraging them to utilize their time more productively. He hopes that government support could assist those looking to establish their farming ventures to improve their livelihoods.
At present, Petero seeks additional resources for farming, including quality seeds and planting materials. He also desires improved road access to facilitate the delivery of food and yaqona to the market. He dreams of building a home and acquiring a tractor to help in his farming endeavors.
Despite facing challenges such as adverse weather conditions, Petero remains committed to his agricultural pursuits, motivated to maximize the use of available land for the benefit of his community. He believes that it is essential to cultivate the right attitude towards agriculture to ensure a better future for himself and others.
“Let us move away from a life of hardship and pay heed to our elders, as we must fervently seek God’s guidance in all that we do,” he said.