BY JOY OFASIA
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has launched its first Annual Planning Conference since the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing together officers from across the country to shape the future of agriculture in the Solomon Islands.
Held at Honiara Hotel, the four-day event is themed “Transforming Agriculture for Economic Growth.”
In his keynote address, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, emphasized the critical role of agriculture in driving food security, rural livelihoods, and economic self-reliance.
“Agriculture sustains over 80% of our people,” said Hon. Franklyn D. Wasi, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock in his keynote address yesterday. “It is not just about growing food, but about growing our economy and lifting rural families.”
The Minister praised the hard work of rural farmers, traders, exporters, and entrepreneurs who keep the agriculture sector moving.
“I sincerely acknowledge their dedication and resilience. They are the backbone of our nation,” he said.
MAL Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu thanked the UNDP Solomon Islands Office and the UNDP SAFE Project for supporting the conference.
Over the next few days, officers from all nine provinces will discuss ways to improve planning, investment, and coordination to support farmers and boost food security.
The conference runs until Thursday and marks a renewed effort to put agriculture at the heart of national development.
The milestone event was attended by senior officials, provincial representatives, officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and United Development Program (UNDP) to chart a unified path toward agricultural revitalization in the Solomon Islands.
