Iowane Sovatabua, once a policeman whose uniform commanded respect, now finds purpose in the land as a yaqona farmer in Namosi.
After years of working an eight-to-five job in the city to provide for his family, Mr Sovatabua returned to his village, where he now farms yaqona on the rugged terrain he calls home.
For more than 30 years, he has worked the land and believes farming is among the most fulfilling jobs anyone can do.
“While many praise having a good job, cultivating the land heals the soul,” he said.
“I worked in the Fiji Police Force and as a security officer at a hotel.
“While working, I realised that I wasn’t earning as much as I should and I wasn’t happy.
“I knew that I had to make a decision to take up farming full-time.”
Mr Sovatabua returned to his village and expanded his yaqona farm, harvesting plants that are five to six years old with the help of his son.
His farm is a 30-minute uphill walk, and when harvesting, his son assists with carrying the produce home or to the roadside for buyers.
“I am at the age where I cannot lift heavy sacks anymore, so I rely on my son to do the heavy lifting for me,” he said.
“He is a great help when it comes to keeping our farm clean.
“We clear the land, plant our crops, keep the farm clean and make sure the plants grow well.”
He said he recently harvested some five-year-old plants.
“From just one sack I will make an easy $800. If I fill the sack right up to the brim, it will be $1000.”
Through farming alone, Mr Sovatabua said he has been able to support his family and meet village, church and family obligations.
“If I compare what I’ve earned from farming and what I earned as a security officer, there is a big difference,” he said.
“I encourage people, just as I encourage my sons, to farm and earn a decent living.
“Today, the demand for both dry and green kava is high, and buyers come right to our doorsteps.
“I always tell my sons that if they cannot find employment, they might as well farm. It just requires dedication and hard work.”
Mr Sovatabua hopes more Fijians will make use of their land to provide for their families.
