Sigatoka

Sigatoka is a town on the southwest coast of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu. It lies at the mouth of the Sigatoka River and serves as the administrative center of Nadroga-Navosa Province. The town is a regional hub for transport and services for the surrounding agricultural belt along the Coral Coast, and it marks the gateway to the Sigatoka Valley, a fertile area long used for sugar cane and vegetable production.

The Sigatoka Valley is known for agriculture; the area has been important to Fiji's banana and vegetable sectors, and the surrounding river delta supports irrigation and farming. The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, a notable nearby landmark, protects dune fields and associated archaeological sites offering a glimpse into Fiji's prehistoric coastlines.

In agriculture, the term Sigatoka is also associated with banana leaf diseases caused by fungi, notably Mycosphaerella musicola (and later M. fijiensis). These diseases, known as Sigatoka leaf spots, can reduce yields and require disease management strategies such as resistant varieties, fungicide applications, and canopy management.

Sigatoka's tourism role, including coastal resorts and the scenic dunes, complements its economic base in agriculture and transportation. The town's location on the Coral Coast makes it a common stop for travelers exploring western Fiji.