Farming is not just for boys

By Vatapuia Maiava 18 October 2016, 12:00AM

For Mimisa Se’eti who is year 13 student of Faleata College, village life has taught her the value of the humble plantation.

Aged 16, Mimisa said that even though many boys think that farming is a male thing, she still dreams of one day being a farmer.

But what’s the reason for such a dream? Mimisa says it pays better than some jobs.

“For me, the one dream that I have always had was to continue learning more and more about the farming life,” she told the Village Voice.

“The reason why I am so interested in the life of a farmer is because I know that there is so much money that can be made from the earth.

“If I were to compare the money made from government jobs to money made by farming then farming would win for sure. It may be harder work but the earnings make it worth it.”

According to Mimisa, her family showed her how great the life of a farmer is and just like that, she was hooked.

“My family also showed me the value of the farming life,” she said.

“As I was growing up, I started to do work in the plantation and that’s why I have a dream to continue what I started my life with.”

Mimisa also understands the struggle of life and says that the answer to many problems families go through in Samoa lies in the fertile soil we have.

“Aside from growing up with this plantation knowledge, I also know how hard life is,” she said.

“Things are expensive nowadays and in the next few years, things are only going to get harder and harder.

“That’s another motivation I have to become a farmer. I want to do my part in the family and provide whatever I can because I know that both money and food can come from a plantation.”

Furthermore, Mimisa says that aside from being a good source of income, a plantation can also be a good source of every day meals.

“The way I see things is, life is no longer easy, and people live tough lives,” she said.

“Things are increasing in prices and people are suffering trying to live like westerners. I don’t understand why not many people are developing plantations to help out with their families.

“With the prices of goods from stores increasing every day, you can afford it with the money you make from your plantation and even if you can’t then you can always eat what you grow.

“For many school children, if we don’t do well in school then we always have this great farming life to fall back on.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 18 October 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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