Ana Vetau always envisioned a career in the hotel industry, but her path shifted after marrying and assisting her husband on their farm. She discovered that working on the farm and selling produce at the market brought her greater joy.
At 35 years old, Vetau, a resident of Narata Village in Nadroga, has become a well-known figure at the Suva Municipal Market, where she sells boiled corn. She emphasizes that life is full of challenges, and success demands hard work.
“After finishing Form 6, I enrolled at the School of Hospitality because I was passionate about the hotel sector,” Vetau shared. “I even completed my attachment at Marina Apartment in Lami. However, after getting married in Nadroga, I decided to join my husband on the farm.”
Vetau explained that farming is a long-standing hobby of hers, rooted in her childhood in Namosi. “I have always enjoyed farming, and joining my husband only deepened my love for it. It provides me with pride and satisfaction when I harvest my crops and bring them to market.”
She acknowledges the challenges that come with farming, particularly the unpredictable weather and the impacts of climate change. “Our biggest struggle is the climate—floods and droughts often affect our produce. There are times when our entire crop is washed away.”
Despite these difficulties, Vetau maintains that continuous effort is essential for success. “We need to ensure we have a constant supply to maintain our income. Sometimes we run out of produce and have to buy from other farmers to sell.”
She highlights the benefits of farming, including access to fresh vegetables and the physical activity it provides. “I have four children, and they sometimes join us on the farm.”
Vetau encourages others to utilize their land effectively. “People shouldn’t let land sit idle. My advice is to plant on it and reap the benefits. It’s fulfilling to see your hard work rewarded, and for me, it motivates me to keep going.”
She believes that young people struggling to find employment should consider exploring opportunities in agriculture.