Over a span of eight years, 53-year-old yaqona farmer Kaseni Vakayaliya has steadily built a livelihood from the fertile highlands of Nakorotubu, Ra — transforming hard work and patience into what he believes is now close to a million-dollar investment.
A proud kai Ra from the quiet village of Bucalevu, Mr Vakayaliya has emerged as one of many farmers in the district helping drive the yaqona boom that has reshaped rural economies across Ra.
His journey into farming was motivated by a simple but important goal: improving the living standards of his family and securing a more stable source of income than formal employment could provide.
Starting with only a vision and determination, he established his yaqona farm a few kilometres inland from the village in the fertile interior of Bucalevu. Today, his farm holds about 12,000 yaqona plants.
“Right now, in total I would value the yaqona on my farm according to the market prices, would be close to about $1million,” he said.
Yaqona has become more than just a crop for Mr Vakayaliya. It is the backbone of his family’s livelihood and a reliable source of income that supports household expenses, savings and village obligations.
“I can harvest a few yaqona plants and sell them in a week, the money I earn from there is able to cater for my family for more than a month, in terms of groceries, saving for the bank and other obligations in the village,” he said.
He currently supplies yaqona to markets in Rakiraki and also works with clients facilitated through fellow kai Bucalevu, Fijian land rights and business advocate, Timoci Nacola.
Despite the success, farming has not been without its difficulties. Mr Vakayaliya said maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of such a large farm remained his biggest challenge and one that required considerable financial investment.
Still, he has no intention of slowing down.
With support from his family, he now hopes to purchase a twin cab vehicle once the extensive road upgrades currently being carried out in the area by the Public Works Department are completed.
The improved roads are expected to provide easier access to farms and better transport links for farmers in the area.
Mr Vakayaliya believes the land offers enormous opportunities for young people willing to work hard.
“There’s no point being lazy around the village when you have large areas of land available and then complaining that you don’t have money,” he said.
“If you want to succeed, get up and utilise the land for your future and your children’s future.”
