Source: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Farmers in the province of Kadavu are now working closely with government agricultural authorities to establish an association to safeguard their businesses.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s senior agriculture office in Kadavu, Epeli Dugucagi, said they are in the process of setting up a farmers association for the various district in Kadavu to avoid high costs incurred when dealing with middlemen.
“For years Kadavu farmers have been selling their yaqona for a lower price to middlemen. These middlemen are taking the cream of the profit which was supposed to be for farmers only. Through the association, farmers will now get their hard earned cash which they deserve,” he said.
“We’ve started with yaqona farmers in the district of Tavuki and other farmers from the other districts in Kadavu have expressed that the idea of having an association will indeed benefit them.”
Senior Agriculture Officer Kadavu Epeli Dugucagi