The struggling life of a farmer

By Ulimasao Fata 08 January 2018, 12:00AM

Sometimes even working the land and developing a  plantation is not enough to cope with every day struggles.

For 53-year-old farmer and father, Luaiufi Ropati, from the village of Vaitele fou, his peanut plantation and vegetable garden do not earn him that much to support his family. 

Mr. Ropati is a father of seven. Two of his children live in the United States of America, while five still live in Samoa.

He believes the price of products is ridiculously expensive. 

“I think the life we have now in Samoa is a tough one because the cost of living is really high at the moment,” he said.

“Everything is so expensive compared to the money most people earn.

“I think most people are going back to work on their plantations to support their families.”

Mr. Ropati said the biggest problem at home is the lack of money.

“My peanut plantation and vegetable gardens is the only thing that supports our family right now.

“My two daughters living here in Samoa have married and their husbands are the ones working.

“I don’t rely on their husbands for money because I know they have to support their small families too, but I just rely on my peanut plantation and vegetable garden for me and my wife, and younger kids.

 “I don’t earn that much from my peanut plantation, but whatever amount I’ll get I will be happy and grateful.

“It depends on how much I sell then that will be the amount I get, but usually for a week I get $150.”

Mr. Ropati adds the weather has recently been good for his crops.

 “The weather contributes to my plantation, so the more rainfall, the better harvest I will get.”

By Ulimasao Fata 08 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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