Tomasi Raiula is a 41-year-old rice farmer of Vunivutu in Labasa.
Growing up, he wasn’t the brightest student in school, but he still made something of his life by toiling the land.
He started rice farming three years ago and has never looked back since.
“I was not always the brightest and came from a not so well-off family. I didn’t want my life to revolve around poverty so I decided to lease 35 acres of land and turn it into a field of wealth,” Mr Raiula said.
“I tried out dalo, yaqona and watermelon farming. Even though the money was good, it was a lot of hard work and for dalo and yaqona, they took a long time to harvest. Then I decided to try out rice farming in the flatlands of Vunivutu.”
“It has been a game changer! I am so grateful that I took up rice farming as I am now reaping the benefits of my sacrifices.
He worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and was given the Boldgrain variety of rice as planting stock.
After a few harvests, Mr Raiula purchased a tractor and personal vehicle to assist him with his transportation needs.
“Planting rice is easy as all I have to do is prepare the land nicely and throw the seeds in a neat manner. After four months, I get to harvest rice which is supplied to Fiji Rice Limited in Dreketi.”
“It is as simple as that! Farming is my passion now as through the bountiful harvests, I am able to provide for my family and also save for our future.
The persistent farmer also encourages unemployed youths in the towns and cities to try out farming for a living.
“We hear about murder, rape cases on the rise, drugs and HIV in the news every day. And who are the perpetrators? Our youths.
“Something needs to be done and the way I see it, the land has so much to offer. It is not just a resource, but a tool for personal growth and rehabilitation.
“Spending time working on the land — whether through farming, gardening, or land-based community projects — provides several potential benefits for young people like skills development, discipline and responsibility, mental health benefits and of course community engagement and economic opportunities.
He hopes his story will inspire youths around the country to explore opportunities in agriculture.
