Joseva Uluvula has always called Lomaivuna his home although he hails from Nabaitavo Village in Naitasiri.
Growing up, he was unsure about which career path to take in life.
It wasn’t until 12 years ago that he made a decision to reshape his future, turning farming into a structured and sustainable source of income.
From humble beginnings, Joseva leased 10 acres of mataqali land in Lomaivuna to planting taro, cassava, and ginger.
He understood early that the key to success was 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,” he said.
This structured approach ensured continuous growth for Joseva.
Farming, like any profession, comes with challenges. For Joseva, time management, seasonal cycles, and market stability, all played a role in shaping his 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 I also need to approach farming as a fulltime job,” he said.
He quickly learned that market fluctuations could significantly impact his farm.
“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.”
Joseva realized that 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 said.
Farming is now more than just a profession to Joseva.
It is 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 also 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 said.
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.
In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways helped Joseva with land preparation, which allowed him to expand his farm and realise the importance of mechanization.
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 said.
In addition, Joseva hopes to create more opportunities for employment, knowledge-sharing, and agricultural advancement in his region.
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 said.
“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 farmers to seek expert advice, adopt modern techniques and use available resources to enhance productivity.
“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.
Joseva at his farm in Lomaivuna, Naitasiri. Picture: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND WATERWAYS FB PAGE
