The Namoli Youth Group received kava drying shed materials to help boost the group's kava farming by hastening the kava drying process.

While handing over the assistance on his most recent trip to the Northern Division, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy said the assistance should help boost their agricultural venture.

"We're here to offer this kava dryer here, to offer you the entire frame materials to build your kava dryer and we hope that this fast tracks the drying of your kava for sale in the export and local markets," said Minister Reddy.

"As you know, kava is the country's top export earner for non-sugar agriculture and in 2021, kava exports were around $43million, the highest ever amongst other crops exported, this is an indication of the potential in the kava industry and that is why we have brought these items to help with your youth yaqona scheme," he added.

Minister Reddy also acknowledged the 30 participants of the recent Farming as a Business Training on Yaqona coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture's Farm Management unit, highlighting that it was an opportune time for their farmers to treat their respective farming practices as a business.

Namoli Youth Group president Niko Vetaukula said the group had already set out a youth yaqona scheme that set a target of yaqona to be planted by the group's individual members to help in the village's development.

"I want to thank the Ministry of Agriculture for this kava dryer assistance, this will go a long way in assisting our 35 members who are part of our youth club to achieve our aim of contributing to our village and our families," said Mr Vetaukula.

"Now we no longer have to worry about rain affecting our kava drying process because drying of kava takes a long time and we are fortunate to receive this assistance considering the number of other youth clubs out there that also request for the same type of assistance, thank you very much," said Mr. Vetaukula.

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