Tailevu youths urged to return and farm

Young people from Tailevu who aren’t working or studying and living in the Suva–Nausori corridor have been urged to return to their villages and make use of the fertile land.

Tailevu Provincial Council chairperson Ratu Semi Matalau made the remarks last week during the opening of the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting at Buretu Village.

Mr Matalau said Tailevu has great potential for agricultural growth, but many young people have left their villages to seek jobs in urban areas, leaving behind unused land that could support farming and community development.

“Many of our youths in the Suva–Nausori corridor have moved away from their villages, but the land back home is waiting. We want to encourage them to come back and use that land productively,” Mr Matakau said.

He added that farming can provide a stable and sustainable source of income if young people put in the effort especially now that new export opportunities are opening up for Fijian agricultural products.

According to Mr Matalau, there are growing markets in New Zealand where root crops such as cassava and taro are in high demand.

He said the council is exploring ways to help Tailevu farmers take advantage of these opportunities through better coordination and direct links with exporters.

“We are looking at the market in New Zealand, where our people can export cassava, taro, and other crops. There is opportunity there if our youths work together and produce in bulk,” he said.

The chairperson said the provincial office plans to work closely with agriculture officials and business partners to strengthen the province’s role in Fiji’s agricultural economy.

His comments come as Fiji’s agriculture sector continues to grow through government support and trade partnerships.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fiji exported over $70 million worth of agricultural produce last year, with cassava and taro among the top earners.

Mr Matalau reminded youths that farming should not be viewed as a last resort but as a pathway to independence and prosperity.

“There is money in the soil. We just must change our mindset and start treating farming as a business,” he said.