IT’S time to go back to our roots and use our land wisely. Those were the words of Simione Koroi of Gusuisavu Village in Naitasiri.

The farmer was selling his produce at the border of Sawani checkpoint to buyers that came from all over Nasinu, Suva and even middle men and vendors from the market.

The 41-year-old brought sacks of root crops such as cassava, dalo, vudi and bananas which were sold in abundance.

"I have been farming since I was a teenager and this is all I know," he said.

Mr Koroi says he takes home between $200 to $300 for his harvest.

"I think as Fijians, we should all make use of the little land that we have and plant as much food as possible. Given the trouble the pandemic has brought upon us, this has caused a lot of panic. People are wondering where their next source of income for food will come from,” he said.

Mr Koroi said while many are harvesting their produce to meet the big demand from consumers, he said it’s important to do more planting.

“Many are just harvesting, we should be planting as much as possible because we need to keep up with the demand,” he said.

But with the arrival of severe Tropical Cyclone Harold, Mr Koroi said he hoped Fiji would recover quickly.

“We hope and pray that it doesn’t affect our country's agriculture industry. I think our people have been through a lot. Many are without jobs and families are struggling. I pray this cyclone is not an added burden to our people,” he said.

While the father of two faces a lot of challenges living in the village, he said he wouldn't trade it for anything.

“We can survive on the land and the sea for our survival. I urge fellow Fijians to pray and put their trust in God, and plant and utilise your land.”