Fiji is reinforcing its position as one of the Pacific's largest kava exporters through new initiatives to improve plant health, boost production, and strengthen collaboration across government, industry, and development partners.
The Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) program, funded by Australia and New Zealand, has handed over a suite of kava plant health outreach materials to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.
The materials, available in iTaukei, Fiji Hindi and English, include technical guides, animated videos, and social media resources to help farmers identify, prevent, and manage pests and diseases affecting kava crops.
Fiji exported 730 metric tonnes of kava in 2024, valued at around $53 million FJD.
The overall sector, including domestic use, is estimated at more than $190 million FJD each year.
The crop remains a key source of income for rural communities and a driver of export growth.
Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Andrew Tukana, said the collaboration with PHAMA Plus is a major step in protecting one of Fiji's most valuable industries.
"These outreach materials are essential to our fight against kava dieback," he said.
"By equipping farmers with the right knowledge, we are protecting a crop that thousands of Fijians depend on for their livelihoods."
Kava Dieback Disease, caused by the Cucumber Mosaic Virus, spreads through aphids and contaminated planting material.
The disease causes soft rot and root decay that can devastate crops.
Other pests such as root-knot nematodes, mealybugs and shot hole disease continue to pose risks to production.
PHAMA Plus Fiji Country Manager, David Hickes, said the materials were developed through close collaboration with local and regional partners, including the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, Fiji National University, the Pacific Community and the Market Development Facility.
"These knowledge tools bring science to the farm gate," he said.
"By working with so many collaborators, we've ensured that the information reflects Fiji's on-the-ground realities.
"This work will help farmers recognise and manage dieback earlier, improve plant health and protect export quality."
The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways' research and extension teams will use the new resources during farmer training and awareness programs across the country.
In a separate development, the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, met with Fiji Kava Founder and Owner, Zane Yoshida, to discuss strategies for increasing production and strengthening Fiji's presence in international markets.
Mr Yoshida said the demand for high quality Fijian kava was expanding rapidly around the world.
"There is huge potential for Fiji to lead the world in premium kava production," he said.
"But the growth of international markets means farmers must scale up now.
"With the right investments, training, and industry wide collaboration, we can ensure every Fijian kava farmer benefits."
Mr Tunabuna reaffirmed the government's support for the industry and encouraged stronger public-private partnerships to build a more competitive sector.
"Kava is one of Fiji's most culturally significant and economically promising commodities," he said.
"To take full advantage of new market opportunities, farmers must increase production, maintain quality, and work closely with industry partners like Fiji Kava to expand Fiji's global footprint."
