Ana Vetau always imagined a career in the hotel industry, but after marrying and assisting her husband on their farm, her outlook shifted. She discovered a passion for farming and enjoys bringing her produce to market for sale.
At 35 years old, Vetau, a resident of Narata Village in Nadroga, has become a well-known figure selling boiled corn outside the Suva Municipal Market near the bus stand. She emphasizes that hard work is essential for achieving success, stating, “Life is full of struggles, and hard work is necessary to success.”
After finishing her Form 6 education, Vetau enrolled in the School of Hospitality because of her dream to work in hotels. She completed her practical training at Marina Apartment in Lami. However, after marrying in Nadroga, she joined her husband in farming, which she found to be a delightful venture and a long-time hobby.
“I was born in Namosi and always enjoyed farming. When I joined my husband on the farm, I loved it. It gives me pride and satisfaction when I harvest my crop and sell them at the market,” she explained. Vetau acknowledged the challenges of farming, particularly the impact of weather and climate change. “Our major challenge is the weather. During floods and droughts, our produce suffers. Sometimes, floods wash away everything we have planted,” she noted.
To maintain a stable income, Vetau explained that they sometimes purchase produce from other farmers to sell when their own crops are low. Farming not only provides fresh vegetables but also keeps her family healthy with regular exercise. She often brings her four children along to the farm.
She encourages others to utilize their land: “People should not leave land idle. Use the land to plant, and you’ll reap the benefits. It’s fulfilling to see your hard work rewarded. I encourage youth, particularly those struggling to find jobs, to consider agriculture as a viable option.”