In the month of October, it has been observed that farmers in the Wainimala area of Naitasiri are experiencing positive progress with their crops, particularly with the sale of yaqona (kava) and other local produce. Simione Caginivalu, a seasoned farmer with 30 years of experience, shared his success, noting that he recently earned $1,700 from just three bags of yaqona.
Caginivalu has made considerable use of his land and is seeing the benefits of proper agricultural practices. He mentioned that the motivation from his father instilled the importance of utilizing land effectively, and this has yielded positive results. He has expanded his farming operations over time, having started with modest beginnings focused on the value of land.
Currently, farmers are growing a variety of crops, including yaqona, vegetables, and root crops, contributing to their livelihoods. Caginivalu expressed his hope to return to his village to maximize land use for better living conditions.
The community has also been involved in working hard in the fields. Despite the challenges faced, they continue to strive for better use of their land. The prices of yaqona remain relatively high, ranging from $80 to $100 per kilogram, driven by good quality and market demand.
However, there are hurdles to overcome, such as the transportation of products to markets, especially for remote farmers. These logistical challenges can affect the timely selling of their produce, but the community remains resilient.
Caginivalu encourages young people to return to their villages, where they can benefit from community living and contribute positively to agricultural practices. He emphasizes that with collective effort, they can overcome the obstacles presented by urbanization and work towards better futures on their ancestral lands.
In summary, the commitment to effective land use and agriculture in Wainimala shows significant promise, highlighting a hopeful future where local farmers can thrive by leveraging their resources wisely.
This story reflects the resilience and determination of agricultural communities who continue to flourish even amid challenges, steering not only their futures but also contributing to the local economy.
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