Over 400 kava farmers from South Tanna in Vanuatu have shown interest in planting more kava, as a result of a road development in the southern part of the island.
This was revealed during the handing over of project materials to create kava nurseries.
With the initiative of growing more kava in South Tanna, the Government through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has stepped in to support the farmers by donating 10,000 poly-bags, four rolls of large green nets and two rolls of fence wire to start kava nurseries.
This also includes 250 posters and awareness information materials on the noble kava varieties.
The farmers are led by Walter Kota, chairman of South Tanna Kava Farmers Association.
“If the government is investing huge amount of money in improving roads in South Tanna, there should be development as well.
“Kava grows well in South Tanna, therefore, kava farmers are encouraged to plant more kava for export that will bring in more money to Tafea Province and Vanuatu as a whole”, said Walter Kota.
The kava nurseries will be in Tan Asul and Nepraintata.
Kota said many people in South Tanna have shown interest in planting kava.
“The materials will be distributed to two areas, as identified. Half of the materials will go to South West and the rest will go to South East,” he said.
Mr Kota said the kava nursery project will be implemented as planned and he encourages kava farmers to continue to plant more kava.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of Agriculture Department, Principal Agriculture Officer South, Peter Iesul, said “the main role of the department is to increase kava production through its kava programme by assisting local farmers through Farmers Associations, to ensure that people involved in Agriculture increase production of kava”.
Photo supplied Caption: South Tanna kava famers with their materials.