A Tailevu kava farmer has called for the establishment of provincial co-operatives across Fiji to help stabilise its prices and address ongoing supply shortages.
The call was made during the Kava Bill and National Kava Policy consultation held in Korovou, Tailevu last week.
Speaking at the consultation, Setevano Raivuni of Navunisole, Namalata, Tailevu, said the current open market system is creating unfair price disparities for farmers around the country.
“The issue with an open market is that some grog can be bought at a higher price and others at a lower price,” Mr Raivuni said.
He proposed that each province establish a co-operative to buy kava directly from farmers within the province before supplying exporters and middlemen.
“If there is a co-operative, it can regulate the purchase of grog at a fixed price across the country.”
Mr Raivuni highlighted the stark difference in price between Vanua Levu and Viti Levu as an example of the imbalance.
“Right now, the price of one kilogram of grog in Vanua Levu can reach up to $200, while here in Tailevu it is around $120.”
He added that exporters and middlemen could source their supplies directly from the co-operatives, reducing price manipulation in the market.
Mr Raivuni highlighted the poor state of farm access roads, particularly in rural areas.
“We carry our produce on our backs to the main road and then onto trucks. It’s very difficult and tiring,” he said.
