One in five kava farmers around Fiji hit by dieback disease

One in five kava farmers nationwide were affected by a viral disease that threatens the country's multimillion-dollar kava industry, officials revealed yesterday.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways disclosed that around 20 per cent of kava farmers in the country were infected with kava dieback disease during the soft launch of a communication package aimed at fighting the outbreak.

Permanent secretary for Agriculture and Waterways Dr Andrew Tukuna said the viral disease had re-emerged in the past two to three years, affecting production in major kava-growing regions.

“The recent survey undertaken by the ministry reveals that around 20 per cent of kava farmers in the country are affected or infected with kava dieback disease,” Dr Tukuna said at the ministry’s headquarters in Raiwaqa.

He said kava remained central to Fiji's economy, with export values exceeding $54 million in 2024, supporting around 18,500 households.

However, the industry faced multiple challenges including the dieback disease, theft, shortage of quality planting materials, and declining soil health.

The newly launched awareness video provides farmers with practical guidance on identifying disease symptoms early and adopting control measures to protect their plantations.

Fiji PHAMA (Pacific Horticultural & Agricultural Market Access) Plus country director David Hickes said the communication package was developed through collaboration between the ministry, Fiji National University, Pacific Community, and other partners.

“The package provides clear and practical guidance on best practices for kava farmers, helping to strengthen the quality and integrity of the Fijian kava industry,” Mr Hickes said.

The materials are available in iTaukei, English, and Hindi to reach farmers across the country.

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