With fears about supplies running short as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, domestic farmers are confident there is enough local food crops to see Samoa through a crisis. 

They are also confident that Samoans are survivors and they can live without any of the modern luxury items should the need arise.

In terms of food, they say Samoa has plenty of taro, banana, vegetables and sea food to sustain the population should the supply chains from overseas get stopped. 

Local farmer, Melania Clunny, from Vailoa Faleata, believes Samoa is in a very good position if international supplies become an issue.

"The supply is still okay and there is more than enough. I am sure that we can meet the public's demand," Mrs. Clunny said.

Mrs. Clunny expressed that Samoa should should not heavily rely on imported supplies.

The restrictions being brought about COVID19 is a reminder about why people need to work the land.

"We cannot fully depend on these stores that import food because we never know," she said.

"There might be a time where the supply stops due to any problems that may arise, but in terms of the plantation, we supply our own food so there won't be any worry about whether or not food supply will be cut because its locally supplied."

The woman farmer takes 50 sacks of taro to the market every week.

 She has carefully calculated the amount that is in demand to avoid bringing in more than is needed.

"We calculate how much is needed to be brought here to the market to meet the public's demand because it would be a waste if we bring in more that is needed," she said.

She added that Samoans are survivors and they know how to live with or without modern products. 

"We grew up living from the produce of the land and stuff from the sea. The current situation has brought Samoa back to our old ways such as living on the usual "fa'alifu and tea."

Another farmer shared similar sentiments. 

Vai Sefo, from Aleipata, said that as a farmer he is ready to meet the demand of the public in terms of produce.

"I have my own plantation so that I can take care of my family," he said. 

"We are farmers and we also go fishing in order to take care of our families. I believe that if supplies run low from these big companies, we are able to step up and meet the demands of the public by bringing in the produce we grow on our land and the fish we gather from the sea."

He believes farmers are fully prepared for whatever may happen as he stated that he does this work for his family and country.

"We are fully prepared because this is what we do, we work on the land for our family and our country."