Dedicated farmer targets VT9M from 4,000 watermelon plants

October 8, 2025 9:47 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

Local farmer Remo Ruben, owner of Green Blu Sky Farm, has set an ambitious target to earn around VT9 million from 4,000 watermelon plants grown on two hectares of land. The harvest is expected in three months.

During the Fruit Fest, which began yesterday, Mr. Ruben said his farming strategy is carefully planned around seasonal work cycles, allowing him to align planting and harvesting with the three- and six-month employment periods of ni-Vanuatu workers going overseas.

“With the current watermelon crop, I expect to earn about VT9 million after three months,” Ruben said, adding that his goal is to grow the farming business into a sustainable enterprise.

Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat, who officiated the Fruit Fest opening, encouraged ni-Vanuatu to return to their islands and invest in agriculture. “Money is in the ground—don’t waste your time staying in town. Go back to your islands and touch the land,” he said. PM Napat added that the Fruit Fest, organised by Milroy Cainton, owner of Pikinini Bar, aims to promote and support local farmers like Ruben.

Ruben, who previously worked as a contractor for over 30 years, said he has lived and worked across various islands, including Gaua (TORBA Province) for nine years and Malekula for 15 years. Two years ago, he shifted from construction to farming, inspired by Gaua’s fertile land and diverse fruit varieties.

He explained that Gaua is known for its unique “Lisa Melon,” a yellow-skinned watermelon variety. “When I planted the Lisa Melon, it changed colours—some became brown, green, or yellow—but the flesh inside remains red. Many people think the yellow melon is artificial, but it is completely natural,” Ruben said.

Farmer Ruben expressed gratitude to Mr. Cainton for the invitation to participate in the Fruit Fest on short notice. “Even though we had only three days to prepare, we made it, and I am proud to showcase our products here in Port Vila,” he said.

Originally operating informally, Ruben officially registered Green Blu Sky Farm during the Fruit Fest. PM Napat formally handed him the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) registration certificate yesterday, recognising the farm as a legitimate business.