Rice experts from the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) have commenced a two-month technical mission in Solomon Islands, meeting today with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) to discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's rice industry and advance plans for large-scale commercial rice production.
The JAAS delegation arrived in the country early June and will work closely with MALD to provide technical expertise and support for rice development initiatives aimed at enhancing national food security and reducing reliance on imported rice.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi in meeting the team expressed his appreciation to the visiting JAAS rice experts and reaffirmed the strong commitment of the Government to the ongoing technical partnership between MALD and JAAS.
Minister Wasi said the Government fully supports the collaboration, particularly efforts aimed at establishing fully mechanized commercial rice farming in Solomon Islands.
“The Government is fully committed to supporting this important partnership between MALD and JAAS, especially in the development of fully mechanized commercial rice farming in Solomon Islands.
Rice is now the most widely consumed carbohydrate food in Solomon Islands, and given the substantial volume of rice imported annually, the Government is keen to develop a vibrant commercial rice industry. Your presence here and the technical expertise you bring are therefore greatly appreciated,” Minister Wasi said.
Meanwhile MALD Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu outlined the ministry's expectations for the mission.
He said the partnership presents a significant opportunity to strengthen national food security, reduce dependence on imported rice, and create new economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
“Rice is a staple food for our people, and Solomon Islands imports large quantities of rice every year. Recent experiences, including supply challenges following the distribution of emergency food assistance to cyclone-affected provinces, have highlighted the importance of increasing domestic rice production,” Dr. Viulu said.
He informed the delegation that MALD is planning a major rice development program in Malaita Province, with a target of establishing 500 hectares of rice production beginning this year.
“As part of this initiative, we will be conducting assessments of potential rice-growing areas, including soil sampling, vegetation surveys, water salinity testing, land layout mapping, and identification of water sources. The expertise and guidance of JAAS will be critical as we move forward with this ambitious undertaking,” he said.
As part of the Ministry's commitment to developing a sustainable rice industry in Solomon Islands, nine agricultural interns have been recruited and commenced work at the Dodo Creek Rice Trial Centre.
The interns began their placement today and will receive practical, hands-on training in rice production, farm management, crop monitoring, and the operation of rice farming equipment under the guidance of MALD officers and technical experts.
The internship program is designed to build local capacity and develop a new generation of agricultural professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills required to support the country's growing rice sector.
Meanwhile the JAAS experts assured the ministry of their commitment to supporting Solomon Islands in achieving its rice production objectives and strengthening technical capacity in rice cultivation and farm mechanization.
The visit is part of the ongoing cooperation framework established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between MALD and JAAS on 22 July 2024 at the Chinese Embassy in Honiara.
The partnership focuses on the development of fully mechanized commercial rice farming in Solomon Islands while also supporting research and development in other strategic agricultural commodities, including maize, fruit trees, nut crops, and vegetables.
The current mission also builds on the successful rice demonstration and trial activities undertaken by MALD and JAAS at Dodo Creek during the past year.
The Dodo Creek rice trial project served as an important pilot initiative to evaluate the suitability of rice varieties and production technologies under local conditions. The trial enabled ministry officers and farmers to gain practical experience in rice cultivation techniques, field management practices, and the operation of specialized rice farming equipment provided through the cooperation arrangement.
Findings and lessons learned from the Dodo Creek trials have contributed valuable information to MALD's plans for scaling up rice production and identifying suitable locations for future commercial development.
This year, planting trials on fertilizer usage, irrigation techniques, different types of planting methods and seed bulking continues. Last year, MALD together with the JAAS expert team have successfully produced more than 9 metric tonnes per hectare of rice, which is above the world average rice yield.
The rice expert visit is co-funded by JAAS and MALD under its development budget activities for 2026.
