Nothing good comes easy, one has to make endless sacrifices to be able to reap the good fruits of his labour.

These were the sentiments shared by 56-year-old yaqona farmer Jese Baleidrokadroka.

Originally from Nasauvuki, Moturiki, Mr Baleidrokadroka has been supplying yaqona roots to Fiji Kava Limited (FKL)  the past four years; a commitment he has not regretted doing. Mr Baleidrokadroka plants 2000 yaqona plants a year.

The father of four said though it required a lot of hard work, he has been reaping the sweet benefits of all the sacrifices he has made.

“I have been a constant supplier of kava roots to the company the past four years and it has been an amazing journey for me and my family,” Mr Baleidrokadroka said

“I say this because I have witnessed first-hand, the benefits of my investment,” he said.

“Imagine having to receive $900 a week as income, many say it is good money but I tell them it requires sacrifice.”

From left: Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes, Fiji Kava Limited founder and managing director Zane Yoshida and Minister of Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy during the launch of the new Kava Tissue Laboratory in Levuka, Ovalau on August 30, 2019. Photos: Inoke Rabonu.

He said in the past four years he has managed to build his house in the village, buy a fibreglass boat with its engine and had all his children receive the highest level of education.

“My wife is overseas at the moment and my children are working, looking after themselves well in their sphere of life and work.”

Mr Baleidrokadroka acknowledged the vision of KFL founder Zane Yoshida in setting up the Kava Fiji Factory for the people of Levuka and nearby Lomaiviti yaqona farmers.

“This is so convenient to us, we just get our yaqona roots here straight out of our farms and the factory workers here do everything.

“We don’t have to worry about washing, sunning our yaqona roots because the FKL staff do all that for us.

“I acknowledge the vision of the company’s founder because it has benefitted us local farmers especially in the Lomaiviti province in such a massive way.”

Sanfred Smith, right of Fiji Kava Limited explains to Minister of Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and
Environment Mahendra Reddy the planting procedures inside their kava nursery in Levuka, Ovalau on August 30, 2019.

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj