Several thousand ni-Vanuatus go to New Zealand each year as part of the Recognised Seasonal Employer programme.
Rao Abel Yalu told the Daily Post that he had shown he could earn a significant income each week by selling at the Port Vila market.
He says his sons were convinced and have agreed to stay and help him plant more yams on the farm.
Mr Yalu says he planted his yams early last year to start harvesting them in January instead of May to avoid competition from other farmers.
