FNU Partners With PHAMA Plus
“This new and important research with PHAMA Plus will provide kava consumers, producers and exporters important information on the kavalactone content for both product and industry development, and further improve the economic viability of the industry,”
Wednesday 12 July 2023 | 19:00
FNU Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Iji Research and Innovations (second from left) and Dean CEST Professor Tibor Pasinszki with the Government Ministers and the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions representatives. Photo: FNU
The Fiji National University (FNU) and the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) programme launched a collaborative research initiative for locally grown kava.
As part of efforts to improve the consistency and reliability of Fiji’s kava production and grow exports of quality kava products, FNU’s College of Engineering, Science and Technology and PHAMA Plus have partnered to conduct a study that looks at the kavalactone content of different kava varieties grown in Fiji.
Kavalactones are the chemical compounds present in kava from which their relaxant properties are derived.
Related stories
The research will provide new scientific data which include the effect of soil type and climatic conditions on kavalactone content and peak age of maximum kavalactone levels.
To do this, the research will be conducted in several kava growing regions around Fiji, including Bua, Kadavu, Saqani, Savusavu, Taveuni, Rabi, Ovalau, Naitasiri, Tailevu, Rotuma, Koro, and Rakiraki.
“Fiji’s kava industry has emerged as a major export earner, raking in FJD4.5 million in 2021,” said Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, while launching the research.
“This new and important research with PHAMA Plus will provide kava consumers, producers and exporters important information on the kavalactone content for both product and industry development, and further improve the economic viability of the industry,”
FNU acting vice-chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, said the collaboration aimed to conduct comprehensive research on Fijian kava, a significant agricultural product of the country.
“As a future-focused, dual-sector university, FNU undertakes research with real-world impact, aligned to national priorities and with global relevance,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.
“We are delighted to partner with PHAMA Plus on the research work to study its strength and efficacy,”
The research will be led by FNU College of Engineering, Science and Technology dean, Professor Tibor Pasinszki and student field researchers Visheshni Chandra, Ms. Deepti Devi, and Ms. Shilvee Shobhna Prasad, supported by PHAMA Plus.
Source: Fiji National University
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj
