The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has received 142 expressions of interest (EOIs) under its 2026 call for proposals for two flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic food production and reducing reliance on imports.
The EOIs cover the Commercial Rice Development Programme (CRDP) and the Poultry Production Strengthening Programme (PPSP), both central to the government’s push to expand commercial agriculture and improve food security in the Solomon Islands.
Officials said the strong response underscores growing confidence among local farmers and agribusinesses in agriculture as a viable investment sector, particularly in poultry production.
Poultry dominates investor interest
Of the total submissions, the majority were linked to poultry-related ventures, including broiler and layer farm proposals. MALD said this trend reflects increasing awareness of the commercial potential of poultry, driven by rising domestic demand and relatively shorter production cycles compared with other agricultural activities.
The ministry noted that stakeholders are showing readiness to scale up operations and invest in expanding local supply chains for poultry products, which remain heavily reliant on imports.
The PPSP is designed to address persistent bottlenecks in the sector, including high feed costs, limited availability of quality day-old chicks, and gaps in veterinary support and extension services. By targeting these constraints, the programme aims to improve productivity, strengthen market access, and support the long-term sustainability of the poultry industry.
Rice sector lags despite policy push
In contrast, interest in rice farming under the CRDP was comparatively lower, highlighting ongoing structural and investment challenges in the subsector.
MALD said this signals the need for more targeted interventions, including awareness campaigns, technical support, and incentives to encourage participation in domestic rice production.
The CRDP focuses on scaling up rice farming in key production areas such as Guadalcanal and Malaita Province, with the aim of reducing dependence on imported rice—a major component of national food consumption.
Officials said boosting local rice output remains critical to improving food security and insulating the country from global price volatility and supply disruptions.
Part of broader agriculture strategy
The EOI process forms part of MALD’s wider strategy to address longstanding constraints in the agriculture sector, including limited production capacity, underdeveloped value chains, and heavy reliance on imported food.
By promoting commercially viable farming models, the ministry aims to stimulate private-sector participation, enhance rural incomes, and build more resilient food systems.
MALD will now proceed to the evaluation phase, which includes screening and shortlisting applicants, followed by detailed technical planning and eventual project implementation.
The ministry commended applicants for their strong participation and said it remains committed to supporting investments that align with national development priorities and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth.
Breakdown of EOIs
While MALD has yet to release a full disaggregated dataset, officials indicated that poultry-related submissions accounted for the majority of the 142 EOIs, with a smaller share allocated to rice development proposals.
Further details on shortlisted projects and funding allocations are expected to be announced following the completion of the evaluation process.
