Kava exports rise as overseas demand grows

Kava exports have increased during the first five months of the year compared with the same period last year, says Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna.

In an interview with the Fiji Sun, Mr Tunabuna said kava sales continued to generate sustainable profits for local exporters.

“We have seen an increase in kava exports, which is a positive sign of the strong demand for Fijian-grown kava in overseas markets,” he said.

Mr Tunabuna did not reveal export earnings figures for kava.

He said Fiji also imported kava at times to meet local and overseas demand when domestic stock levels were low.

Despite this challenge, exporters continued to ensure kava supplies reached overseas markets on time, maintaining healthy export channels.

With local demand remaining high because of kava’s customary and traditional value, Mr Tunabuna urged farmers to increase production to boost their incomes.

He also encouraged exporters to maintain quality standards in international markets to strengthen Fiji’s reputation as a leading kava supplier.

Mr Tunabuna said other commodities such as turmeric and ginger were also performing strongly in overseas markets, helping raise the profile of Fijian agricultural products.

He said export earnings from ginger and turmeric had increased, highlighting the importance of diversifying into crops beyond traditional farming products.

Turmeric export earnings reached a record $25.2 million in 2024, the highest level recorded in the past 12 years since 2013.

Principal agricultural officer North Sujendra Prasad said while many farmers traditionally focused on crops such as sugarcane, kava, taro and dalo, turmeric had become a lucrative alternative.

He encouraged more people to venture into turmeric farming as demand for the product continued to grow.

Mr Prasad said the ministry would continue supporting new turmeric farmers interested in exporting overseas.

“We want people to realise the potential turmeric has and produce high-quality turmeric,” he said.

Turmeric seller Amrika Prasad said the crop had strong potential for farmers.

He encouraged more farmers to take up turmeric farming as an important source of income.

“Diversification remains essential for financial sustainability in farming,” he said.

On mushroom exports, Mr Tunabuna said Fiji was still unable to meet local demand because of limited production and exports currently remained at zero.

However, he said there was strong growth potential for the industry if more farmers entered mushroom production and expanded supply.