Ministry works to engage more farmers in yaqona planting

The Ministry of Agriculture are now working together with the Ministry of iTaukei to engage more farmers in yaqona planting.

This is according to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources which is hearing submissions on the Kava Bill.

While presenting their submission on the Kava bill, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Joeli Cawaki said they have been told during their consultations around the country that there is a shortage of kava resulting in insufficient supply of yaqona in the market.

He said this is due to the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Winston and also not too many people planting yaqona.

He added that the ministry has given $1 million and they would like to engage with the Permanent Secretary of Rural Development so they can organize their farmers in the rural areas to grow more yaqona.

Meanwhile, suggestions were also made by the Committee for women in the village not to drink kava as it affects their productivity.

Cawaki said this suggestion was made by various people during their consultations around the country.