Kelera Ditaiki 
{File Photo}
Proposals are underway to establish a Kava Council to regulate local kava prices. This follows concerns from farmers regarding price fluctuations, which often impact growers more significantly than middlemen or producers.
Speaking during consultations on the Kava Bill, Assistant Minister for Agriculture Inosi Kuridrani highlighted that a Kava Council would safeguard the welfare of farmers and stakeholders while maintaining a fair market.
The proposed Kava Bill aims to iron out several issues affecting the industry.
“One of the major issues farmers face is kava pricing, which is somewhat unfair, as most sellers are paid the same rate for kava grown for three years as for kava matured over seven years.”
Kuridrani adds that currently the farmers are the losing end.
Senior Agriculture Officer Apenisa Rarasea stated that consultations will be conducted throughout Fiji, as each division faces unique challenges. The consultations aim to find common ground to better assist all farmers and stakeholders.
The Ministry of Agriculture plans to present the Bill to Cabinet this year
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