Ana Vetau always envisioned 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 selling her produce at the local market. At 35 years old, she has become a well-known figure outside the Suva Municipal Market, where she sells boiled corn.
Vetau believes that life is filled with challenges and that diligent effort is essential for success. After completing her secondary education, she enrolled in hospitality courses and even gained practical experience through an attachment at Marina Apartment in Lami. However, after her marriage in Nadroga, she joined her husband in farming, which she had always enjoyed as a hobby.
“Farming gives me pride and satisfaction when I harvest and bring my crops to market,” she explained. “It’s not an easy journey, but success is unattainable without hard work, irrespective of the field.”
While Vetau finds fulfillment in her agricultural work, she also faces significant challenges. Weather conditions and climate change pose threats to their crops, with floods and droughts sometimes wiping out entire harvests. They frequently have to buy from other farmers to maintain a steady supply of produce to sell.
She emphasized the health benefits of working in agriculture, noting that fresh produce keeps her family healthy, and she engages her four children in farm activities whenever possible.
Vetau encourages others to utilize their land effectively, advising against leaving plots idle. “Using land for planting can yield great benefits. Witnessing the rewards of your hard work is inspiring,” she said, particularly urging youth who struggle to find employment to consider a career in agriculture.