Shortage hits kava sales, farmers lose millions

September 24, 2025 9:59 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Hilaire Bule.

The owner of the Jamblon Kava Market in Anamburu, Port Vila, Chief Theodore Samana, says the capital is currently facing a continuous shortage of kava, resulting in lost revenue for farmers.

“I have 23 rooms for farmers to stock and sell their kava, but I can tell you that only four rooms make around VT4 million a month. This money goes back to the farmers in the north. With the current shortage, they make less money than in previous years,” Chief Samana said.

Speaking to the Daily Post on Tuesday, he said it has been over a month since he noticed a decline in the arrival of fresh kava at his market.

Previously, when ships brought kava from Santo, Pentecost, Ambae, Malekula, and Epi, the product would sell out in a week.

Now, vendors sell their stock within just two days.

The last shipment of kava to Port Vila arrived last Friday on the Vanuatu Ferry and Islander. However, when the Daily Post visited the market on Tuesday, only kava roots were available.

Chief Samana identified three main reasons for the shortage in Port Vila: fewer people planting kava in the islands, higher demand for dried kava for export, and increased consumption in town.

He added that while the number of kava drinkers in town has risen, sales have decreased, leaving a gap in supply.

Kava farmers from Pentecost attribute the shortage to damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Lola, which destroyed kava branches crucial for plant multiplication. The cyclone affected the eastern part of the island, from central to southern areas.

Before the cyclone, tons of kava were shipped from Pentecost’s anchorages, but production has since dropped. Pentecost remains the main supplier of kava for local, regional, and international markets.