Agriculture Ministry to focus on increasing kava, turmeric and dalo exports

The Ministry of Agriculture is working to boost export earnings by increasing production of key commodities such as kava, turmeric, taro, ginger, cocoa and coffee, and by addressing supply chain challenges to improve market access.

This has been highlighted by Minister of Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu while speaking in support of the 2025-2026 National Budget.

She says $4.6 million has been allocated for production of these major economic commodities.

Bainivalu says in 2024, Fiji proudly exported 730 metric tonnes of kava, achieving an export value of $53 million.

The Minister says this milestone represents the highest achievement over the past 12 years between 2013 and 2024, significantly surpassing the $15 million threshold.

She says also in 2024, Fiji exported $25.2 million worth of turmeric, marking a 1.6 percent increase in the highest earnings in the last 12 years.

Fiji achieved exports of 5,548 tonnes of dalo in 2024, with an export value of $41.3 million, an increase of 3.6 percent and the highest record in the past 12 years.

She says to maintain this upward trajectory in dalo exports, they have been allocated a budget of $978,000, a 96 percent increase, to support dalo farmers under the dalo farming programme.

Bainivalu further says the current budget emphasises inclusive agricultural growth by empowering all farmers, especially smallholders, with equitable access to resources and to support and strengthen the nation's prosperity.

She says $337,000 is allocated to the Women in Agriculture Programme and $281,000 for the Youth in Agriculture Programme.

Bainivalu confirms in the 2024-2025 financial year, 597 individual women and 51 women's groups were assisted with planting materials, training, nursery materials, farming tools, agro-inputs and market linkages.

She adds $4.4 million has been allocated to upgrade training facilities and quarters at Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute and Tutu Training Centre, reinforcing efforts to equip youths with the skills necessary for a sustainable future.