Village youths turn to high-value crops to prevent marijuana cultivation
Village leaders say rehabilitation and farming opportunities have helped reduce drug-related activity.
Monday 27 July 2026 | 14:30
In a bid to prevent illicit drug cultivation on their land, youths in Koronatoga Village, Navatu district, Cakaudrove, are diversifying into high-value crops.
In a bid to prevent illicit drug cultivation on their land, youths in Koronatoga Village, Navatu district, Cakaudrove, are diversifying into high-value crops.
Village headman Epeli Tumomo said about six farmers had previously been identified by Police for cultivating marijuana, prompting rehabilitation efforts to steer them away from drugs.
Mr Tumomo said the reintegration process for the farmers was strict to ensure they complied with village rules prohibiting illicit drug cultivation.
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"Following their identification, the farmers stopped engaging in this illegal activity and there have been no further cases of marijuana cultivation since," he said.
He said villagers were determined to earn an honest living through agriculture rather than illegal activities.
"There has been a reduction in drug-related cases in our village, and we want to keep it that way."
The 32-year-old said that after becoming village headman, he encouraged young people to pursue agriculture as a pathway to prosperity.
"In our villages, we need to use our resources wisely for economic development instead of leaving them idle for others to exploit," he said.
While villagers mainly grow yaqona, cassava and copra, Mr Tumomo believes the launch of the US$25 million Blue Economy and Green Community Development Programme (BeGreen) has created opportunities to expand into high-value crops.
The programme, initiated by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is encouraging villagers to diversify into crops such as cocoa and ginger.
Mr Tumomo said the second visit by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to the village last Friday had inspired residents to contribute to nation-building and poverty reduction.
"We don't want to be known as illicit drug cultivators. We want to be recognised as farmers," he said.
He called on Government to improve road access and market connectivity, saying better infrastructure would help rural farmers sell their produce.
"We understand that poor roads affect many rural communities, but as young people we must make the most of the resources we have to earn an income."
Mr Tumomo said the village's production record should demonstrate its ability to supply produce consistently.
"We acknowledge the Ministry of Agriculture for providing training on high-value crops and helping create demand for these products," he said.
