THE high price of yaqona is believed to have increased the population in the provinces of Cakaudrove and Bua over the past decade.
However, the population of Macuata decreased over the past 10 years and this is because of the expiry of leases and a mass movement of farmers to Viti Levu, according to government officials.
In a government presentation made to Assistant Minister for Agriculture Jale Sigarara at a district officers and provincial administrators meeting in Seaqaqa yesterday, officials revealed that the high price of yaqona had drawn farmers to Cakaudrove and Bua.
Mr Sigarara was informed that in 2007, Cakaudrove had a population of 49,344 but in 2017 this increased to 50,469 people.
For Bua, the population in 2007 was 14,176 but increased to 15,466 in 2017.
For Macuata, the population was 72,441 in 2007 but decreased to 63,983 in 2007.
Most farmers of Macuata moved to Viti Levu after their leases expired, while some shifted for education and employment purposes.
Mr Sigarara acknowledged that the high price of yaqona had lured many to farm yaqona and make good money from the trade.
He pleaded with senior government officials to work with farmers and assist the communities that needed government assistance.
