LOCAL kava farmers in Malaita are delighted as kava buying has resumed in the Provincial Capital Auki a few weeks ago.
The locally-owned grocery Bulkshop has begun engaging with local farmers, not only with taro farmers but kava farmers with the purchase of their produces.
A kava farmer from West Kwara’ae, Fabiano Ngengemani his delight over the resumption of the kava market after visiting the kava buying and storage site in Auki.
“It was encouraging to see farmers like me take our produce again to the market after an almost three-year hiatus due to no buyers for this commodity. We are excited that we can earn money again from our kava plantations.”
Mr Ngengemani said he has refocussed on kava farming because it offers good money.
Reflecting on challenging times when kava buying centers in Auki were closed, he said, “It was a sad experience and discouraging experience because I invested nearly two years of effort and time into kava farming.”
“Now, it’s a great joy for me and other kava farmers with plantations ready for harvest,” Mr Ngengemani added.
Mr Ngengemani plans to sell his kava harvests this week after harvesting them last weekend.
It is understood that besides cocoa farmers who are benefitting from the high cocoa prices due to the high demand for this commodity on the international market, kava farmers are also earning good money from their harvests also due to a high global market demand.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
