Taveuni Youths Export 4000kg of Taro
“We now support each other by sharing dalo suckers within the group. Most of us cultivate dalo because we are predominantly Seventh Day Adventists and do not grow yaqona.”
Thursday 05 October 2023 | 15:10
Twenty youths from Vuna Village in Taveuni are reaping the rewards of their hard work.
Last week, they exported 4000kilograms of taro (dalo) through Taveuni Kava and Dalo Dealers (TKDD).
The members of Senimokosoi Youth Group formed one of many cluster groups working on a farming plan with TKDD to cultivate agricultural produce for export.
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They receive support in the form of farming implements and repay their dues upon harvesting. Given current prices, each member can earn between $2000 to $3000 per month, if they continue to follow respective farming plans.
Group leader Raivi Kataiwai said their primary project was to save up and buy a carrier for students who struggle to walk from their homes to school.
“The village is quite close to the school, but nearly half of the students stay in Vuna Veikau or Vuna Settlement, and they have to trek some 25km to reach the school,” Mr Kataiwai said.
“We plan to save for two years before we can buy a carrier.
“There is also a plan to save enough for building our own houses in the village. The youths in the group range from 18 to 35 years old.”
The group’s next goal is to recruit some of their brothers who have left school.
The group not only wants to increase its production, but has an objective to produce 15 tons of dalo every month.
The group began with just five farmers in March.
“Initially, only five of us had dalo suckers, but by the end of this month, our production will be greater as more of us will be harvesting together,” Mr Kataiwai said.
“We now support each other by sharing dalo suckers within the group. Most of us cultivate dalo because we are predominantly Seventh Day Adventists and do not grow yaqona.”
This approach also helps keep the youth away from engaging in illegal activities.
Some members of the group are leaving Fiji to work under PALM, but the group achievements showed they can pursue similar opportunities here.
“Instead of working on other people’s farms overseas, they can work on their own farms in Taveuni and earn more money,”
Mr Kataiwai hopes more youths in Fiji can utilise land in their villages instead of living in cities and getting trapped in criminal activities.
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