A husband and wife team is making the best use of the ivi season by setting up stalls at both the Suva and Nausori markets.
Mother-of-five Akanisi Kasa, who cares for her 10-year-old daughter afflicted with kidney problems, says selling ivi and root crops is their only option to earn and make ends meet.
“We sell in Nausori, but when it’s ivi season we shift to Suva so that we can earn more as there are more potential customers in the city,” Kasa said.
“Even here in Suva, we have to choose the location very carefully. Last week we were selling in front of the market but we only managed to sell one bucket, so this week we shifted in front of a supermarket and sales have been really good.
“So, choosing a busy location is very important in boosting our sales.”
The couple has been selling Tahitian chestnuts — known locally as ivi — since 2010.
“COVID-19 did not affect us because we are farmers. We had food such as root crops and other things to survive, but we couldn’t get things from the supermarket like sugar.
“During that period we were confined to our village, we couldn’t go out and sell anything.”
Standing in the sun or sitting on the streets with her ivi packs is what Kasa does to provide her children with life’s basic necessities.
“I do everything for my children.
“When we bring one bucket, we are able to earn $60 to $70 a day, from which I have to take out our taxi fare of $30.
“And when we come here we have to buy plastic bags and cartons in which we pack the ivi.
“I have five children, and my eldest daughter suffers from kidney problems, so we also have to take out around $25 for her medical expenses.”
The Rewa resident advised youths to continue working hard.
“I only managed to complete my education up to year 12 and now, sometimes I regret not completing my education because I wanted to become a teacher.
“So, study and think about your future so that you have no regrets.”
