Ratu Ilisoni Tadau, originally from Naqeledamu in Tailevu and raised in Verata, Wailevu, has transitioned from more than two decades of public service into building a large‑scale agricultural enterprise under Eagle Lion Farming Investment.

His professional journey began in 1998 with the Social Welfare Department and the judicial system before he joined the Fiji Police Force in 2004, where he served until March 2026. After years of balancing work and farming, he made a decisive shift to focus fully on agriculture, recognising the long‑term potential of the land he had already begun to develop.

For eight years, he worked a 20‑acre agricultural lease, though time constraints limited its full use. In October 2025, he made a strategic move to expand operations at Lakena Irrigation in Nausori, aiming to unlock the land’s productivity. Beginning with 54,000 dalo plants, he successfully harvested more than 33,000 while continuously replanting to sustain production. This disciplined approach has driven rapid growth, and the farm now has approximately 128,000 dalo plants established, with a further 519,000 plants in development, pushing total production beyond half a million plants.

Operating within Lakena’s wetland environment requires adaptability and planning, and Ratu Ilisoni has invested in practical solutions to improve land conditions. By using machinery such as diggers and tractors to drain and prepare sections of waterlogged land, previously unproductive areas have been transformed into viable farming zones. This not only supports large‑scale dalo cultivation but also creates the conditions necessary for diversified crop production, strengthening the farm’s overall resilience.

Efficiency remains central to the operation. After each harvest cycle, dalo suckers are reused for replanting, reducing external input costs and ensuring minimal waste. In addition to dalo production, designated areas are used for vegetable farming, with intercropping techniques applied to maximise land use and increase output. This integrated approach allows for continuous productivity while maintaining soil utilisation across different crop types.

The scale of the operation is supported by a committed workforce that plays a vital role in maintaining momentum. With coordinated labour efforts, the farm is capable of planting up to 20,000 dalo plants per day, enabling rapid expansion, consistent replanting cycles, and efficient field preparation. This organised system has allowed Eagle Lion Farming Investment to grow steadily while maintaining a strong level of productivity.

As the business continues to expand across Lakena and surrounding areas in Tailevu, the focus remains on increasing production volume, sustaining replanting cycles, and fully utilising available land.

Ratu Ilisoni’s journey reflects a practical pathway into commercial farming, demonstrating how gradual development, disciplined reinvestment, and efficient management can lead to significant agricultural growth. His work underscores the value of land as a resource, captured in his belief that when land is used well, it can generate real wealth.

With more than 500,000 dalo plants in progress and a diversified cropping system in place, Eagle Lion Farming Investment stands as a growing contributor to Fiji’s agricultural sector.

“When we utilize the land well, we can gain a lot. There is wealth in the land.”