The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has received a Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) test kit to strengthen its efforts in diagnosing and managing kava dieback disease, a significant threat to Fiji’s kava industry.

The equipment was procured by DT Global Australia Pty Ltd under the PHAMA Plus Program, with funding support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

Speaking during the handover ceremony yesterday, Fiji PHAMA Plus Country Director, Mr. David Hickes, said the testing kit will boost Fiji’s diagnostic capabilities, enabling faster and more accurate detection of CMV in kava plants.

“This support reflects our commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s agricultural sector, particularly the livelihoods of thousands of kava farmers who depend on healthy and productive crops,” Mr. Hickes said.

The Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana, expressed the Ministry’s appreciation for the timely assistance.

“This equipment will greatly enhance our capacity to respond to kava dieback and protect the industry’s viability. We are grateful to DFAT, MFAT, PHAMA Plus, and DT Global for their continued partnership and support in strengthening Fiji’s biosecurity systems,” Dr. Tukana said.

The Ministry remains committed to working closely with development partners, research institutions, and local communities to safeguard Fiji’s agricultural resources and ensure the sustainability of the kava industry.

ENDS

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