Ana Vetau always assumed she would work in a hotel, but after getting married and helping her husband out on the farm, her perspective changed.
She found it more fun to work on the farm and transport her produce to the market for sale.
Known for her boiled corn sales outside Suva Municipal Market near the bus stand, the 35-year-old Narata Village resident in Nadroga became quite a familiar face in Suva.
She says life is full of struggles, and hard work is necessary to success.
“After completing my Form 6, I enrolled at the School of Hospitality because I always wanted to work in the hotel industry,” Ms Vetau said.
“I even completed my attachment at Marina Apartment at Uduya Point in Lami.
“But after that I got married in Nadroga and I joined my husband in his farm.”
She said she liked to do farming as this was one of her hobbies.
“I was born in Namosi and I always liked to do farming. That was my hobby and when I joined my husband in the farm, I loved it.
“It gives me pride and satisfaction when I harvest my crop and get them to the sell in the market.
“I know it’s not easy, but without hard work, you won’t find success anywhere, no matter what field you work in.”
Ms Vetau said farming didn’t come without it fair share of challenges.
“Our major challenge is the weather and the effects of climate change. During flood and drought, our produce gets affected. Sometimes everything we plant are washed away in the flood.
“We also have to make sure that we continue to get supplies so that we get constant income.
“A lot of time, we had run out of produce and in that case we buy from other farmers and sell.”
“On the other hand, we get everything fresh like vegetables and when we work in the farm, we stay healthy. Our body gets the regular exercise needed.
“I have four children who also accompany us to the farm at times.”
Ms Vetau advised people to make use of their land resources.
“People should not leave land idle. My advice, use the land to plant and you’ll reap the benefits. It’s a good feeling to see your hard work bring in rewards — and for me — it inspires me to continue.
“People especially youths who can’t find jobs should consider venturing into agriculture.”
