The Agriculture Ministry’s consultation team has recently clarified that the registration process under the proposed Kava Bill is intended solely for record-keeping purposes, rather than for licensing requirements. This announcement comes in response to concerns voiced by farmers during discussions held in Labasa, where many expressed confusion over the necessity of re-registering since they already hold business registrations and pay taxes on their kava sales.
Lead consultant Losalini Leweniqila emphasized that this proposed registration aims to officially document farmers with the Agriculture Ministry. This initiative is designed to enhance data collection efforts and improve planning for the kava industry. It is also expected to support the establishment of a proposed Kava Council, which would operate separately from the government. Leweniqila explained that this council would allow farmers, middlemen, and exporters to collectively communicate their needs to the government regarding the support they require.
“We want the Kava Council to be independent so that you, as farmers, can dictate what assistance you need. You will have the authority to express what you want from the government, rather than just receiving assistance based on bureaucratic decisions,” stated Leweniqila.
Moreover, farmers in the Northern region are urging Ministry officials to visit kava farms personally to better understand the challenges they face on the ground, rather than relying solely on statistics from the Bureau of Statistics. They believe that the number of kava farmers has substantially increased over the past decade, highlighting the importance of updated and thorough assessments to capture the current landscape of the kava industry.
This initiative represents a significant step towards empowering kava farmers and ensuring that their voices are heard in the policy-making process, fostering a more supportive environment for the growth of the kava sector.
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