Thirty-six kava farmers from Soa Village in Ra have been awarded essential farming tools worth $16,252 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways. This initiative is part of the Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (CADP), which aims to boost agricultural production in the region.
The equipment provided includes machinery for land preparation and harvesting, which is expected to help farmers improve their crop management techniques and enhance productivity. This support comes in response to the growing demand for kava in both local and international markets. Minister Tomasi Tunabuna, who oversees this initiative, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Fiji’s kava industry and supporting farmers in their transition from subsistence to commercial farming.
The farmers, organized into five groups and managing approximately 23,000 kava plants, are optimistic about the future of their operations. They aspire to restore Soa’s reputation as a leading kava producer in Fiji.
Local farmer Paula Makubuna shared her appreciation for the assistance, highlighting that it brings renewed hope and positively impacts the community. The support is particularly welcomed by younger farmers, as it will help alleviate labor pressures and enable larger-scale plantings.
The Ministry has pledged ongoing support to develop Ra Province into a significant agricultural hub, focusing on resilience and commercial growth. This commitment offers a hopeful outlook for both the farmers and the region’s kava production moving forward.