A Return to the Land
After 25 years of living and working in New Zealand, 59-year-old Soʻoalo Setu made the momentous decision to return to his home village of Samauga Itu Tane in Samoa. His return was primarily motivated by his desire to revive and expand his family’s taro plantation, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality produce for his business in New Zealand. Setu’s business caters to the Samoan community in New Zealand, where there is strong demand for authentic Samoan agricultural products.
Aligning with Government Initiatives
Setu’s return to Samoa happened to coincide with a significant period of change in the country, as the new Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) government rolled out its ambitious development projects. Among these initiatives is the Million Tala District Development Project, which allocates one million tala annually to each of Samoa’s 51 districts. This project, aimed at enhancing infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and boosting agricultural productivity, has provided Setu and other farmers with access to critical resources that were previously hard to come by.
“The timing of my return couldn’t have been better,” Setu said. “While my primary focus was on my plantation, the government’s new projects have provided the support I needed to make farming more efficient and productive.”
Benefiting from Agricultural Reforms
Under the leadership of Minister La’aulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt, the FAST government has also launched a broader agricultural drive to encourage Samoans to return to farming. This initiative aims to revitalise the agricultural sector, which had been neglected in recent years. For Setu, this has meant gaining access to essential tools and equipment, such as chainsaws and fencing materials, which have made his farming operations more efficient.
“These government initiatives have made a real difference,” Setu acknowledged. “The support and resources have not only helped me but have also empowered others in our community to improve their livelihoods.”
A Win-Win Situation
As Setu continues to work his land, the benefits of his efforts are evident both locally and abroad. His taro plantation is thriving, supplying his business in New Zealand with the high-quality produce that his customers value. At the same time, the alignment of his personal goals with the government’s development strategy has created positive ripple effects throughout his community.
Setu’s story is a compelling example of how individual enterprise and government policy can work hand in hand to drive economic and social progress. His return to Samoa, timed with the government’s initiatives, highlights the potential for transformative change when personal ambition meets supportive public policy
Editors Note:
More stories like Soʻoalo Setu Mua will be told, as BluwaveTV moves away from daily news to editorial writing on issues and developments.
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