Passion for the plantation

By Aruna Lolani 15 June 2017, 12:00AM

The key to a good life is in your hands. 

Ask Tavita Mafutaga, a farmer of Tuana’i and Falelauniu, and he will tell you this.

Speaking to the Village Voice team, he said you need passion and motivation to make your plantation life work.

While many would pursue formal employment and office jobs over working in a plantation, Tavita and his wife chose the plantation.

The 57-year-old is a farmer who owns 20 acres of lands and a father to four children.

“The plantation is very important. Having one makes you feel like you’re one of the blessed ones,” he told the Village Voice.

“It’s important because you can develop it in whatever way you want and earn money out of it.

“Personally, I think it’s the simplest way to make a living. 

“I don’t need another job and I’m fine with that because I have all the work I need right here.

“Our faipule is the one we supply to and then he delivers it to whoever orders for crops.

“It’s something I’m passionate about and that’s the truth.

 “I grew up surrounded by plantations and farmers so this is why I chose this as my way of living and to make money.  

“I also want my children to learn how important this life is from me because I believe this is Samoa’s own wealth.

“I want to teach them how to clean the lands and not just planting the crops. 

“There’s a lot more work than you think, which is why I humbly ask for help in getting a knapsack sprayer to kill lawn weeds or the grass in my plantation.

“We have such a big land and only two of us work and it takes a lot of time to cut the grass. 

“For me, if you don’t have a plantation and you don’t work, then it’s a disaster because now you don’t know what to rely on.

“But I’m thankful that I have this because without this, I have nothing to give.”

If you want to help out Tavita, please contact him on 7208923.

By Aruna Lolani 15 June 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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