AT the Makoi market in Nasinu, Manjeet Milan sits behind neatly packed bundles of kava, quietly facing one of the biggest challenges in the kava trade today, the short supply and rising prices.
Mr Milan, who trades under Milan’s Kava, is originally from Labasa in Vanua Levu but moved to Suva with his family in search of better opportunities.
A qualified air-conditioning technician, he turned to the kava business in 2015 after encouragement from his wife and her family who are farmers.
He spent three years in Savusavu before settling at the Makoi market, where he now sells kava, suki and other dried goods.
Mr Milan said the kava business was once profitable, but the situation has now changed.
“Right now the biggest problem is the price. There is not enough supply and the price is high,” he said.
He explained that while demand remains strong, especially during occasions such as Christmas and Diwali, profit margins have become small.
“Sales are high during Christmas and Diwali, but the labour and effort we put in does not match the profit we receive anymore.”
Despite these challenges, Mr Milan said his regular customers have kept his business going.
He believes the consistent quality of Vanua Levu kava is what attracts and keeps the loyalty of buyers.
Looking ahead, Mr Milan hopes the government will step in to help regulate local prices.
He pointed out that while kava is being exported at high prices, local consumers and vendors continue to struggle.
For vendors like Mr Milan, fair pricing could make the difference between survival and closure.
