Petero Maciu, a 21-year-old from Nawi village in Cakaudrove, is urging young people to take advantage of unused land in their communities to foster sustainable living. Beginning his farming journey at a young age, Mr. Maciu has successfully cultivated over five acres of clan land, where he plants yaqona, root crops, and various vegetables.
He expressed gratitude to his father, Sakapo Tui, for motivating him to utilize their land effectively. “My father always encouraged me to make use of the land to have a better living,” Mr. Maciu stated, reinforcing the importance of returning to ancestral practices of agriculture and self-sufficiency instead of relying on external sources for food.
Despite leaving school after Class Eight, Mr. Maciu has no regrets. “I don’t want to go back to school because what I get from the land is more than what I would receive from continuing my education,” he explained. His commitment to farming has yielded significant results, with his first yaqona harvest in 2023 earning him over $11,000.
He sells a variety of produce, including yaqona, cassava, dalo, and bananas, at the Labasa Market, where yaqona prices range from $70 to $80 per kilogram. Mr. Maciu highlighted the importance of hard work and dedication; he often walks five kilometers to his farm and sometimes spends the night there to maximize his productivity.
“Despite the distance, I never gave up. I believe if all Fijians, especially iTaukei, make use of the land, it could solve many problems in Fiji, such as poverty,” he asserted.
His earnings have allowed him to support his family, invest in farming equipment, and even celebrate his 21st birthday in style. “I turned 21 in March, and to surprise my family, I bought two cows and invited the villagers to celebrate my birthday,” he said.
Recently, Mr. Maciu also acquired a twin cab to facilitate the transportation of his crops to the market. Looking ahead, he plans to build his own house, purchase land in town, and buy a tractor to enhance his farming operations.
His message to young people is clear: “If you have nothing to do, make use of your time and plant the land. You will reap the rewards in due season. We have to honor God daily, who is the source of strength in our life.”