Kava theft crisis hits Taveuni farm

A prominent kava farming family on Taveuni is sounding the alarm over escalating theft, which they claim has crippled their production.

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annual planting has dropped from more than 60,000 plants to just over 1,000 due to ongoing losses.

Hari Daya Enterprises, a family business with over a century of kava cultivation on the island, has seen its annual planting plummet from more than 60,000 plants to a mere 1,000. Abhishek Sapra, son of the company's director, reported that recent theft attempts left clear evidence, including uprooted kava plants and distinct tracks from horses, boots, and bare feet.

Sapra stated that the family has filed multiple police reports over the years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, which he believes exacerbated the problem. He alleges that tracks from the latest incident led to nearby homes, and individuals linked to these properties have been previously implicated in thefts from the farm. Despite numerous complaints and documented correspondence with the police, the family feels little action has been taken.

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kava theft has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic

The family is now appealing for immediate intervention to prevent further losses and safeguard an industry that has sustained generations of farmers on Taveuni. They emphasize the need for decisive measures to protect their livelihood and the island's agricultural heritage.

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some of the individuals linked to the properties had previously been implicated in thefts from the farm, but despite numerous reports, little action has been taken.