The Ministry of Agriculture in Fiji is tackling the kava shortage on Rotuma Island by dedicating $280,000 this financial year to a replanting initiative. The scarcity of kava on the island stems from factors such as overconsumption, insufficient replanting, and the adverse effects of kava dieback disease, which is associated with the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and has challenged kava farmers across Fiji.
Agriculture Principal Officer Nimilote Waqabaca emphasized the increased demand for kava, pointing out that Rotuma has had to import kava from Viti Levu, with prices surging to $80 per kilogram. The replanting program aims to strengthen local kava cultivation, reduce dependency on external sources, and revitalize agricultural practices within the island.
Kava farming has undergone significant changes over the years, particularly with recurring outbreaks of kava dieback disease across the Pacific. The outbreaks in the Northern Division from 1998 to 2003, and more recently between 2021 and 2023, have resulted in escalating kava prices and widespread deforestation as farmers moved from traditional mixed-cropping to intensive mono-cropping.
To address these challenges, efforts include collaborations with international research bodies to develop disease-resistant kava varieties and educational workshops on sustainable farming practices. The Rotuma replanting initiative is part of a larger strategy to promote recovery and sustainability within the kava sector while ensuring the continuity of vital agricultural resources within the local community.
The initiative not only aims to boost economic revival and food security on Rotuma but also reinforces cultural practices tied to kava farming. By focusing on sustainable cultivation and farm resilience, there is optimism that kava farming on Rotuma and throughout Fiji will experience a resurgence, driven by innovation and collaboration.