Under the golden sun of Namuavoivoi village in the District of Lekutu in Bua is the rolling fields of the Mountain Rock Farm.

It is the farm where Tevita Nagataleka and wife Ana Dimala work side by side, their hands steady, their vision unwavering.

For years, they dreamed of something bigger, something solid.

"Never lose sight of our dreams as one day, our farm plans will become clear,” Tevita would always tell Ana, encouraging her to hold onto hope.

She carries his words with her, believing that every step they take brings their vision closer to reality.

Now, standing on their farm, their vision is finally coming to life.

For 40 years, they have lived and worked in Suva and believing they had found freedom after retiring and returning to the village. But true freedom, they’ve come to realize, is found in the land.

“We thought retirement would mean slowing down, but the farm has kept us even busier,” Ana shares with a laugh.

“Still, we’re enjoying every part of it, both life in the village and the work on the land. There’s peace here, and at the end of the day, we rest well knowing everything we need is right here, life moves with purpose, and each sunrise signaling another opportunity to grow.”

With 600 acres of land beneath their feet, they see wealth not in money but in soil.

"The land is rich," Ana says, emphasizing their belief in agriculture as a foundation for prosperity.

They know that farming is demanding work.

"He who is lazy will not eat. Every seed planted is a promise, every harvest a testament to resilience.”

Their first watermelon harvest was a milestone, 8 tons of watermelon sold at $2 per kilogram.

Success, for them, is not just measured in numbers. It is about the lives they touch. Their farm employs single mothers, youths and widows, offering them $20 per day.

The work is meaningful, and the wages a stepping stone toward independence.

"As a woman, be strong. You, the youth, strive to succeed," Ana encourages, urging resilience in all aspects of life.

Beyond employment, their generosity extends to the marketplace. They also choose to sell their watermelons to Dreketi vendors at a lower price, ensuring they, too, can earn a profit.

"Let’s share advice well, let’s not be hesitant. Let’s look at those around us. Let’s strive to use the land wisely," Ana advises. Farming, in their eyes, is a shared responsibility, a way to lift the community together.

Their approach to farming is as strategic as it is sustainable. In 2024, they harvested watermelons from a plot that now flourishes with vegetables, maximizing land productivity.

After this season’s watermelon harvest, the same space will be repurposed for grazing animals, as the couple have also started rearing livestock.

They practice crop rotation across their land to maintain soil health and ensure continued productivity.

"Land use is important, stick to your plan for your kids and your tomorrow," Ana affirms.

For them, every decision is about legacy, the knowledge passed down, the opportunities created, the future secured.

"Agriculture is a practice we should all embrace. Grow your own food so you don’t have to rely on others. With new and improved techniques, even small spaces can be used for vegetable farming. That’s why we encourage you to visit your nearest agriculture station for guidance and support."

As Tevita and Ana continue to tend to their land, they cultivate more than crops. They nurture hope, fortitude, and a belief that farming, when done with care and vision, can transform not just lives but generations to come.

ENDS

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