A two-day theory and practical training on kava farming practices was successfully held at Halavo village in Central Island Province (CIP) from 22nd-23rd October 2021.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its CIP Extension Division conducted the training for kava farmers in Ward 3, CIP, with the aim to boost farmer’s knowledge and skills on kava growing and ensure they learn appropriate practices and methods for producing good quality kava for domestic and overseas market.

“It was a successful training and a very important one because it enabled participants to learn new information that would certainly help them to prosper in their farming undertakings as well as help them to identify the noble varieties of kava from the wild varieties,” Vanita Pelomo, Extension Officer for Central Province said.

A total of 40 farmer participants attended the training and included men, women and youths.

Demonstrations covered sessions on site and soil section, stalk selection, nursey, transplanting, mulching, pest and disease control, management practices, harvesting, cleaning, washing, chipping and drying.

Ms. Pelomo said the training was a success and an eye opener for many.
“For many it is their first time to attend such training and they have expressed gratitude to officers for the new information and experiences shared that will certainly help them improve their farming activities,” she said.

The participants expressed profound gratitude to MAL through CIP Extension Division for the timely training.

“Thank you MAL, CIP Extension for the knowledge and skills shared. This training is new to some of us. The knowledge, skills and experiences you shared with us will be utilised to boost our kava production. We planted kava for the past years but we have little knowledge about it. This two days training is like a refresher for us and we have learnt a lot of new ideas and new techniques that will help us improve our kava farming,”they said.

Participants assured MAL officers that they will put in to practice what have been learnt from the training.

Ms. Pelomo expressed boundless gratitude to the participants for their patient and commitment shown during the training and also acknowledged MAL management through its Extension department in Honiara for continuous support to the CIP Extension Division.

Extension Officers involved in the training are; Betty Narakana, Nathaniel Ofokoba and Vanita Pelomo.

 

Source: Press Release, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock