Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Inosi Kuridrani, handed over a yaqona pounding machine and packshed materials to farmer Laisenia Senokonoko under the Ministry’s Small Farming Equipment and yaqona farming programs.
Kuridrani says the support will allow farmers to process their yaqona within the village instead of travelling to Nausori or Suva, easing the burden on growers and improving efficiency.
He adds that the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to empowering rural communities, strengthening livelihoods and encouraging value-adding at the village level.
Senokonoko, who buys green kava from 13 farmers in Nakida at prices ranging from $17 to $25 per kilogram, says the new machine will allow him to expand support for local farmers.
He says drying, pounding, and packaging will now be done locally, reducing costs and saving time for farmers.
Senokonoko also highlighted plans to work with Biosecurity to explore export opportunities.
The initiative is expected to reduce reliance on middlemen while strengthening the role of the Nakida Cooperative in ensuring benefits are shared among farmers.
The Ministry says the assistance will help boost the yaqona industry and ensure more rural communities can participate in value-added production and access wider markets.
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