Research on best kava for export and consumption

Research on best kava for export and consumption

By Rashika Kumar
Friday 07/07/2023
Photo:File

A research to help identify the best kava for export and consumption and understand the factors that influence the strength has begun.

While speaking during the launch of the research by Fiji National University and the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) Program titled “Beyond Kava – Understanding the Factors that Influence Fijian Kava” Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna says the research will improve lives of kava farmers as it will help in the growth of the major export earner industry.

Tunabuna says Fiji’s kava industry has emerged as a major export earner, raking in $40.6 million last year and has become the top contributor to agriculture GDP – surpassing sugarcane and other commodities.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minister for Prime Minister's Office, Sakiusa Tubuna says improvement in the kava industry will ensure better productivity and production.

He adds when there is a price surge farmers are driven to plant and when prices of kava is low there is no motivation to plant and produce.

Tubuna further says that the government is committed to rebuild confidence in the business and productive sectors and to bridge the development gap between the rural and urban areas.

The research will focus on testing kava samples sourced from Bua, Kadavu, Saqani, Savusavu, Taveuni, Rabi, Naitasiri, Ovalau, Tailevu, Rotuma, Koro and Rakiraki to understand the factors that influence the strength, efficacy, or other organoleptic properties of kava and how this is related to kavalactone content and chemotype.

FEATURE NEWS
PM instructs Nalumisa to work on plans to relocate Nabua squatters, no timeframe given
Minister for Housing, Maciu Nalumisa will meet with executives of Fiji Muslim League later today to discuss options of relocating the affected familie...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
214 reported drug cases recorded for November
214 reported drug cases have been recorded for the month of November. Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew says of the 214 cases recorded, ...
1 hour ago

Crime rate increases by 19% in November
Concerning statistics have been released by the Fiji Police Force with the crime rate for the month of November increasing by 19 percent compared to ...
1 hour ago

Tributes to 9-year-old killed in German Christmas market attack
Tributes have been paid to a nine-year-old boy who was killed in an attack on a German Christmas market. André Gleißner died after a car drove ...
2 hours ago

Heavy Rain Warning in force for Western and interior Viti Levu
A Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for the Western and interior of Viti Levu including Momi to Nadi, Lautoka, Ba through Tavua, Rakiraki, ...
2 hours ago

Rabuka asks youth at Suva Juvenile Rehab Centre not to underestimate themselves
While visiting the Suva Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka asked those gathered not to underestimate themselves as God ...
2 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Fijian Drua in Kadavu
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are keeping in tradition with their previous pre-season training and will be in Kadavu till Friday afternoon. The ...
3 days ago

Vanuatu Earthquake
The 7.3 magnitude earthquake, which struck at a depth of 57km, occurred 30km to the west of the capital Port Vila at 1.47pm, according to the US ...
4 days ago

Investigation into alleged drink spiking incident at Warwick Resort after 7 guests get sick
Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka confirms that 5 guests have been discharged following an alleged spiked cocktail incident at Warwick ...
7 days ago

TOP