For Vivek Narayan, farming is more than an occupation .
It is a legacy rooted in his family’s past sacrifices.
A fourth-generation farmer from Viria, Naitasiri, Mr Narayan’s journey of sweat and grind began long before he was born.
His great-grandparents settled in the area after the indentured system ended, laying the foundation for a life sustained through vegetable farming.
Today, he proudly carries that legacy forward.
He attended Viria Public School before completing his secondary education at Vunimono High School in Nausori.
Determined to broaden his skills, he went on to obtain a trade certificate in electrical engineering from the then Trade and Productivity Authority of Fiji.
While many would have pursued a career in the city, Mr Narayan made a conscious decision to return to the soil by supporting his parents.
“Farming may not look attractive because you get your hands dirty,” he said with a smile, “but it is rewarding. You can be your own boss and earn more than what you would get from working in an air-conditioned office.”
For Mr Narayan, the freedom that comes with farming is just as valuable as the income it generates.
“Whenever you want to leave work, you don’t have to inform anyone. You can just leave, no questions asked. That’s the privilege that farming offers.”
He owns nine acres of land, which he uses to grow a wide variety of crops, including French bean, cucumber, karela, pumpkin, round cabbage and eggplant.
During peak seasons, particularly harvesting, he hires labourers from nearby villages to help manage the workload.
“If you work hard, you will realise that there’s money in farming,” he said.
“There’s nothing without hard labour and sweat. The same applies to farming, the more you sweat the more you get.”
Mr Narayan believes that farming, when done with discipline and proper time management, can be highly profitable.
He points to crops like dalo and ginger as prime examples of where real income potential lies.
“There is wealth in farming the land. You just have to work hard and manage your time well.”
Looking ahead, he dreams of purchasing more land and investing in mechanisation to increase productivity and efficiency.
As a father of three, his motivation goes beyond personal success. If one thing, it is about securing a better future for his children.
“Farming will help me invest in my children’s future so they can go to the best schools, get good education and secure well-paid jobs,” he said.
While he understands that his children may choose different paths, his support remains unconditional.
“They may choose not to farm and look for white-collar jobs beyond Viria. But I’ll always be there to support their dreams.”
For those who own land but are unsure how to use it, Mr Narayan has a simple message – don’t let it sit idle.
“If you have land, consider putting it to good use through farming,” he said.
“You will not regret reaping the sacrifice you make.”
Mr Narayan’s story stands as a reminder that farming is not just about tilling the soil.
It is also about building independence and turning land into lasting opportunity and livelihood.
