VEGETABLE farmer Shalen Kumar is the sole breadwinner for his family and runs a successful farm with the help of his wife.
Mr Kumar who lives on the outskirts of Vuda believes that sacrifice is the reason behind his success.
"I have been a vegetable and sugar cane farmer my whole life, even when I was still in school. After I left school, I became a full-time farmer," he said.
His farm spreads across a 32 acre piece of land which he has cultivated for more than 30 years.
"I have four brothers but the farm was given to me in 1998 when my father passed away. My brothers moved on to become teachers and work in other industries but I stayed on to be a farmer," he said.
Describing his life as a sugarcane and vegetable farmer, Mr Kumar said he did not think it would be that difficult.
But as his first few years proved to be difficult, Mr Kumar said he almost gave up.
"It's not easy running a farm on your own. Renting the land that I'm using alone costs more than $1000. I pay $1500 every year for rent and now I have to worry about renewing the lease because it is about to expire."
Mr Kumar said last year was also a difficult year for him and his family.
"Our sugarcane harvest was not that good. We harvested only 60 tonnes of cane."
The father of two said fortunately his vegetable farm kept their family afloat.
"I plant a lot of vegetables and sell it at the Lautoka market.
"It has helped me a lot and I think it will help us for a few more months before sugarcane crushing season comes around again."
Mr Kumar said the vegetable farm had also seen some of its worst days.
"The cyclone season is always the worst because most of the vegetables and crops get really affected."
Although outside elements continue to plague Mr Kumar and his farm, he says it would never stop him from doing what he loves best.