MUANIWENI in Naitasiri has been home to Sarita Kumari Lal for the past 30 years.

Nestled in a quiet rural setting, she said her life reflected a deep connection to the land.

Living with her husband, son and daughter-in-law, Ms Lal is part of a close-knit family of four that depends largely on farming for both sustenance and wellbeing.

The family tends to their plantation daily, where dalo and other root crops form the backbone of their livelihood.

Alongside these staples, they also grow a variety of fresh vegetables, ensuring that food is always available at their doorstep.

Ms Lal said farming is not just about survival, it is about living well.

“We are lucky because we have our own farm,” she said.

“We grow dalo and other root crops, and we also have a variety of vegetables.

“This helps us a lot, especially when it comes to eating healthy food.”

Fresh produce from the farm means the family relies less on store-bought vegetables, which Ms Lal says has had a positive impact on their overall health.

She said meals are often prepared using ingredients harvested just hours before cooking, preserving both nutrition and flavour.

“When you eat what you grow yourself, you know it is fresh and safe.

“We don’t need to worry too much about buying vegetables because they are right here. It really contributes to our healthy living.”

While farming covers much of their daily food needs, the family still makes regular trips to town for other household essentials. Once a month, they travel to Nausori to do their grocery shopping at Pak & Save Supermarket.

“We don’t go every week, but once a month and buy everything in bulk so it can last us until the next trip.”

Ms Lal shared that their monthly grocery budget usually starts at around $500 and can go higher, depending on what the household needs.

She said items such as rice, flour, cooking oil, canned goods and toiletries are bought in larger quantities to avoid frequent travel.

“Our budget is about $500 or more.

“When you buy in bulk, it feels like a lot at one time, but it is better for us because we don’t have to keep going back.”

Life in Muaniweni is simple, but Ms Lal says it is fulfilling.

Farming keeps the family active, reduces expenses, and provides a sense of independence.

Despite the challenges of rural living, she believes the benefits far outweigh the difficulties.

“We may be far from town, but we have what we need here.

“As long as we have our land, our crops and our family together, we are content.”

Ms Lal encourages shoppers to be conscious of what they buy as most people are fond of rush buying.

“It is important to pause and read the labels, this way, we can certainly know what the product contains.”