Kava exports rise, boosting incomes but pushing local prices higher

Kava exports continue to increase, boosting incomes for many locals thriving in the industry, but the rising demand has caused local prices to skyrocket.

Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, confirmed the upward trend in kava exports and said local exporters were set to earn more income.

Kava is a traditional Pacific Islands drink made from the crushed roots of a plant in the pepper family, known for its mildly intoxicating or sedative effect.

“The increase continues to grow from last year, with overseas markets demanding higher volumes of kava,” Mr Tunabuna said. Key export destinations include New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States.

While exports bring more income for Fijians, the surge in demand has led to competition and higher local prices for yaqona (kava).

At the Labasa market, vendor Rajendra Kumar said prices had risen significantly, with farmers selling yaqona plants at higher rates. “Green yaqona plants used to sell below $10, now they go for nearly $16 or $17 per kilogram,” he said.

The price for a quarter of unpounded yaqona has jumped from $10 to between $15 and $18.

Kava exporter Krishan Lal of Bulileka in Labasa, who operates “Krishan Kava Exports,” said overseas demand continues to grow, with quality and quantity key to success.

He exports half a ton of kava to California, USA, every three months.

“I buy from middlemen in the market and then ensure the right quality and quantity before exporting to the USA,” he said.

Mr Lal added that the export market is profitable and plentiful.

Minister Tunabuna also revealed that Fijians travelling overseas often take kava as luggage for personal use, which sometimes becomes a sellable product abroad. “These kava products go in several forms: some green, dried, or processed,” he said.