Yaqona price set to increase
The prices of yaqona from Kadavu are expected to hit high because of the impact of Tropical Cyclone Keni.
These were the responses from some yaqona farmers on the island.
As of yesterday, yaqona farmers in Tawava Village in the Tikina of Yawe have increased the prices of one kilogramme pounded waka from $100 to $120.
The village chief, Marika Masi, said that yaqona was their main source of income and a farmer could earn around $20,000 after one harvest.
“The increase in price comes from the middlemen after every cyclone because it’s in demand so that is why we have increased our prices too.
“Nearly 90 per cent of the men in Tawava are yaqona farmers and for our livelihood, we have depended on this,” he added.
Lau Administrator Eliki Masa, who is overseeing operations in Kadavu, said the increase in yaqona prices heavily depended on the farmers.
“We don’t decide on the increase in yaqona price and after a natural disaster that is the responsibility of the farmers.
“This is a similar situation, after TC Winston hit Koro and Taveuni, the prices of yaqona increased rapidly, he added.
Ravitaki Village headman, Vetaia Ratumaiyale shared the same sentiments that yaqona prices from Kadavu would increase.