In most parts of Fiji, farming remains the domain of males and is very much a boys club.
Women help maintain the field and are largely the silent contributors.
But not in Viti Levu’s heartland where Sulueti Bebe lives.
She is now one of the largest vegetable farmers in Nadarivatu and runs her own farm.
Ms Bebe said the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) team in Fiji facilitated the formation of a farmers group called the Veilomani Farmers Association.
“I have a big vegetable farm that is now supporting my family,” she said.
“TTM really helped us a lot and showed us new techniques of farming.”
She said farming was an easy source of money.
“I am planting sweet corn, french bean, cabbage and root crops as well.
“Because of our location, TTM helps transport our vegetables to the market and we would collect the money afterwards. They have really helped us a lot.”
The mother of one has called on women to pursue a career in farming.
“Most women think that men are the only ones that can do farming, but I want to tell them that we women can also plant.
“And during this pandemic it would be wise for families to engage themselves in farming.”
