Forced back into her farming roots to earn a living after she lost her job as a waitress, 48-year-old Lalitha Neesha Kanayee, of Seven Tanks, near the Silverglen Nature Reserve, has managed to turn her life around from growing and selling methi (fenugreek herbs).
Ms Kanayee’s resilience and return to her farming roots has not only helped her support her family but also gained her a significant following on social media.
Living in makeshift homes alongside other small-scale farmers in Seven Tanks, Ms Kanayee learned the art of farming from her grandfather, Nandlall Pardesy, and father, Ramkissoon Nandlall, during her childhood.
Recalling her early days, Ms Kanayee said, “I watched my grandfather and father toil from early in the morning to late in the afternoon. They planted vegetables and fruit, and it served as a source of food for our family and helped us earn some money.”
Joining her family on the farm at the tender age of seven, Ms Kanayee learned the intricacies of farming, from preparing the soil to harvesting crops.
However, life took an unexpected turn when her husband, a taxi driver, was convicted of murder in 2003, leaving Ms Kanayee to fend for her family.
Struggling with odd jobs and household cleaning, Ms Kanayee’s health deteriorated, leading to three heart attacks and triple heart by-pass surgery. She eventually applied for a disability grant, which, though helpful, was insufficient to support her family.
Remembering the farming skills taught by her grandfather and father, Ms Kanayee decided to farm methi herbs near her home.
Despite her heart condition, Ms Kanayee dedicated herself to the laborious task of cultivating methi herbs, known for their quick growth. She sells the produce three times a week and spends the remaining days planting seeds for new batches. Recognising the medicinal properties of methi herbs, she emphasised their popularity among the older Indian community for treating ailments like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Posting pictures of herself harvesting methi herbs on Facebook has brought Ms Kanayee newfound visibility and customers. She now sells the herbs near the A5 shop in Chatsworth, priced at R10 a dozen, and often sells out within hours.
“Social media has helped me build my business. Through my posts, I got so many new customers. I have more than 5 000 followers on Facebook, who share and like my posts. It is overwhelming. I am thankful for the support,” Ms Kanayee said.
In a message to those facing challenges, especially due to the impact of Covid-19 on employment, Ms Kanayee advised, “Find your skill and use it to help you generate an income.”
Her inspiring journey from waitress to successful farmer serves as a testament to the power of determination and the importance of leveraging one’s skills in challenging times.
