The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is advancing a series of initiatives aimed at transforming the agriculture sector and supporting economic growth in the Solomon Islands.
Permanent Secretary Samson Viulu said during a quarterly ministerial update this week that the ministry is implementing key projects and reforms to strengthen agricultural productivity and market access.
Among the flagship programmes is the Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project, a six-year, $20 million initiative currently benefiting more than 18,000 people in Western and Choiseul provinces, with planned expansion to Isabel Province. The project is designed to improve food security, nutrition and rural incomes.
In parallel, the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Project is progressing across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa, with a focus on boosting agricultural production and improving market linkages.
The ministry is also supporting small and medium-sized agribusinesses through the Commercial Agriculture Development Project Support Fund. Recent beneficiaries include Kokonut Pacific, Varivao Holding Limited and Malo Kitchen.
Additional initiatives include the Coconut Cocoa Revolving Fund, the establishment of a national cattle breeding centre, and the National Poultry Industry Development Initiative.
“These efforts are reinforcing the role of agriculture as a key pillar of economic development in the Solomon Islands,” Viulu said.
Overall, the ministry said the projects are progressing as planned and are expected to contribute to the continued transformation of the agriculture sector while supporting broader economic growth.
