Originally from Nabaitavo village of the Nabaitavo district in Naitasiri, Joseva Uluvula has always called Lomaivuna his home.

Since growing up, he was unsure which path to take in life. It wasn't until 12 years ago that he made a decision that would reshape his future, turning farming into a structured and sustainable source of income.

"I decided to focus on farming as a source of income properly," he shares.

This was the turning point that led him to embrace agriculture as more than just tradition; it became his job.

From humble beginnings, Joseva leased 10 acres of the mataqali land in Lomaivuna, carefully planting taro, cassava, and ginger. He understood early on that the key to success lies in planning.

"I established a plan two years ago to plant two acres per year—one square chain per month, with one square chain for cassava and one square chain for taro."

This structured approach ensured continuous growth for Joseva.

Farming, like any profession, comes with challenges, time management, seasonal cycles, and market stability, all played a role in shaping Joseva’s journey.

"I am also a village person and I know firsthand what it’s like living in a big village. From my experience, time is often wasted on other things. When I decided to take farming seriously, I realized we also need to approach farming as a full time job," he explains.

He quickly learned that market fluctuations could significantly impact farmers.

"Sometimes crops are ready, but the market is unstable. Often, the time we begin farming and the time we harvest don’t align with market demand, which leads to losses. It’s important to counter this."

Yet, despite these hurdles, Joseva saw firsthand how even small plots of land could yield big results with the right strategies.

"I now see that great results can come from small efforts," he says, highlighting the wisdom gained through trial and error.

For Joseva, farming is more than just a profession, it is a foundation for family stability and community empowerment. His dedication to agriculture has allowed him to support his children’s education, improve his home, and create a thriving environment for those around him.

Beyond personal success, Joseva’s farm became a source of employment for his village.

"As my farm has grown, more people from the village have started coming to look for work, and I am glad that I can help,” he shares.

He welcomes groups, sometimes 15 people a day, including church members, village teams, and youth organizations, to help with harvesting and land preparation.

His farm has also helped fund his children’s education and improve his family’s living conditions.

"My farm allowed me to build a better home and life for my family," he says proudly.

While Joseva’s dedication and strategic planning laid the foundation for his farm’s success, government assistance helped accelerate his growth.

“In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways helped with land preparation. This allowed me to continue expanding my farm. I realized that machinery makes farming easier and faster, whereas manual labour is slow and exhausting."

With farming income, Joseva purchased a truck and later received assistance in constructing a farm road, enabling smoother transportation of produce.

Joseva’s vision for the future extends far beyond the boundaries of his farm. He sees Lomaivuna as a hub for agricultural growth, where farmers, young and experienced alike, can thrive through collaboration, innovation, and access to better resources.

 “I am currently looking to purchase my machinery because Lomaivuna is a major farming area with many farmers. Having machinery would help not just me but also other farmers nearby,” he explains.

His farm already serves as a supplier to local markets, ensuring consistent distribution of fresh produce.

In addition, Joseva hopes to create more opportunities for employment, knowledge-sharing, and agricultural advancement in his region.

For young people in rural areas, farming is not just a tradition but a powerful tool for self-sufficiency and success.

He encourages youth to rethink their approach to agriculture, not as a fallback, but as a profession that offers stability, growth, and financial independence.

"For those of us living in rural areas, we should discuss farming more seriously," he emphasizes, urging young people to recognize its potential.

“One of the greatest mistakes is rejecting new knowledge simply because farming has been done a certain way for generations,” he warns.

"Some dismiss training or advice, saying, 'We grew up doing this,' but that is one of the biggest mistakes, refusing to learn and adapt to new knowledge that could improve our lives," he says.

Joseva encourages seeking expert advice, adopting modern techniques, and using available resources to enhance productivity. He highlights how listening to agriculture specialists helped him refine his methods and increase efficiency on his farm.

"Taro no longer takes 8 or 9 months—it now matures in 6 or 7 months. This is the benefit of following expert advice," he shares.

His message to rural youth is clear: Embrace agriculture as a career, take advantage of learning opportunities, and recognize that farming is not just survival, it’s a pathway to success and sustainability.

"Farming is a great career, and it is the sweetest way to earn money every day," Joseva affirms, offering a vision of hope, resilience, and economic empowerment through agriculture.

As he looks toward the future, investing in machinery, expanding his markets, and inspiring rural youth, Joseva stands as a testament to the power of determination and hard work.

ENDS

• ← Go to all Features