News:2025-09-04/Policy/marijuana-has-displaced-yaqona-and-dalo-as-fijis-top-cash-crop-says-police-commissioner

NewsPolicy4 September 2025

Marijuana has displaced yaqona and dalo as Fiji's top cash crop, says Police Commissioner

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu told media that cannabis has displaced traditional cash crops yaqona (kava) and dalo (taro) in parts of Fiji, citing its faster harvest cycle and higher financial returns. Tudravu identified Kadavu as a major production base and said cannabis cultivation was becoming generational among younger Fijians. He warned that Fiji was no longer simply a drug transit point and that money from cannabis was entering the legitimate economy. Tudravu called for coordinated government action and community-based alternatives to cultivation.

Read the source report

PlaceKadavuEastern DivisionFiji

Growing areaKadavu Island

AgencyFiji Police Force

Approximate location-19.05, 178.2

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• 2 Oct 2026Police uproot more than 11,000 suspected cannabis plants at Nasuva in Bua
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• 23 Sep 2026Police uproot 1,085 cannabis plants at a farm in the Waisagavuna area of Savusavu

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2025-09-04 Policy Marijuana has displaced yaqona and dalo as Fiji's top cash crop, says Police Commissioner Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu told media that cannabis has displaced traditional cash crops yaqona (kava) and dalo (taro) in parts of Fiji, citing its faster harvest cycle and higher financial returns. Tudravu identified Kadavu as a major production base and said cannabis cultivation was becoming generational among younger Fijians. He warned that Fiji was no longer simply a drug transit point and that money from cannabis was entering the legitimate economy. Tudravu called for coordinated government action and community-based alternatives to cultivation. https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/marijuana-overtakes-yaqona-as-fijis-cash-crop/ Fiji Eastern Division Kadavu Kadavu Island 19° 3' 0.00" S, 178° 12' 0.00" E Fiji Police Force