The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) is pleased to announce a significant breakthrough in rice production, demonstrating that rice can be successfully cultivated on loamy sandy soils with proper irrigation and effective soil management practices.
The MAL Rice Research and Demonstration Farm has shown that with the right technologies and agronomic approaches, rice productivity can be substantially improved — a development that has positive implications for food security and rural livelihoods across the Solomon Islands.
“This achievement is a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to promoting innovative agricultural technologies to boost the productivity and production of key commodities,” said Mr. Michael Tanisapa, Deputy Director of Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The successful harvest, completed yesterday afternoon, marks a major milestone in the Ministry’s rice research and development efforts and reinforces the potential for expanding rice cultivation in areas previously considered marginal for the crop.
Recent Developments in Rice and Agricultural Efforts
- The Government, through MAL, has been actively strengthening public‑private partnerships to drive agricultural growth and support rice development alongside other commodities. Recent agreements with private sector partners and agribusinesses aim to enhance market linkages and sustainable production systems, including rice cultivation initiatives.
- A major Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM‑N) project, jointly funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), and the Solomon Islands government, is underway to improve food security, nutrition, and climate resilience. While focused broadly on agricultural systems, the project supports community‑based production of diverse food crops and strengthens rural farming systems that complement rice development goals.
- Expanded land use planning and partnerships have been formalised for agricultural innovation. An agreement to establish a national hub for agricultural research and training in Isabel Province includes plans for a Rice Research and Demonstration Centre, which will support continued innovation and capacity building in rice production.
These strategic efforts come at an important time, as reducing dependency on imported rice remains a priority for national food security. Increasing local rice production through research, partnerships, and farmer support is expected to help mitigate the country’s heavy reliance on expensive imports. (Historical data shows previous initiatives aimed at boosting rice cultivation and reducing import dependence.)
Key Highlights:
- Successful rice cultivation achieved on loamy sandy soil.
- Project utilised targeted irrigation and effective soil management techniques.
- Enhanced public‑private collaborations to support rice and broader agricultural sectors.
- National policy and international partnerships backing sustainable food production.
- Strategic land and research infrastructure developments underway.
The Ministry looks forward to building on this success to scale up rice cultivation and strengthen the local agriculture sector for the benefit of farmers and communities throughout the nation.
