A comprehensive suite of outreach materials aimed at raising awareness about kava dieback disease has been provided to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways. These materials were created through the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) program, funded by Australia and New Zealand, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture. The outreach package includes technical guides available in iTaukei, Fiji Hindi, and English, alongside animated instructional videos and social media resources designed specifically for farmers.
David Hickes, the Fiji country manager for PHAMA Plus, emphasized the significance of these knowledge tools in bringing scientific understanding directly to farmers. “This work helps farmers recognize and manage dieback earlier, improve plant health, and protect export quality,” he stated. Highlighting the importance of kava as a million-dollar industry in Fiji, Hickes noted that kava dieback poses one of the biggest challenges to this sector. The newly developed manual aims to guide farmers on mitigating the effects of this disease, providing them with a pathway to enhance their livelihoods and support their families.
Encouraging farmer resilience, Hickes urged them to continue planting kava and assured them that with the available information, they would receive support from Ministry of Agriculture staff in addressing key issues related to kava cultivation.
Dr. Andrew Tukana, the permanent secretary for Agriculture, underlined the crucial role of the outreach materials in combating kava dieback. By equipping farmers with essential knowledge, the initiative aims to safeguard a crop that is vital for the livelihoods of thousands of Fijians. “We have valued this partnership with PHAMA Plus in building a stronger, more resilient kava industry,” Dr. Tukana said, noting the significant contribution of kava to Fiji’s economy. He also pointed out the impressive growth in kava production, which has soared from 690 tonnes in the 1990s to a projected 14,300 tonnes by 2025.
This collaborative effort reflects a strong commitment to fostering agricultural resilience and ensuring that the kava industry continues to thrive, marking a positive step forward for farmers and the economy alike.