THE Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paving the way for a transformative shift in the country’s agricultural sector development.
Signed on Friday 11 April 2025, the agreement marks a significant milestone towards advancing agricultural development for Isabel Province and the Solomon Islands.
The pact formalizes arrangements for the ministry’s free use of approximately 687 hectares of unallocated and available land within the Gozoruru Property, specifically, Land References 174, 176, and 177 for the implementation of its major national agriculture and livestock development programs starting in 2025.
This agreement symbolizes more than just a partnership; it embodies a shared vision for transformation in agricultural development, strengthening food security, creating employment, and driving sustainable growth in the agriculture sector.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the Honourable Minister for MAL, Franklyn Derek Wasi said, “the agreement lays the foundation for a new era of cooperation between the IPG and the national government through MAL”. Minister Wasi further stated that, “the initiative aligns well with the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) Policy”.
He emphasized that establishing critical infrastructure is essential for achieving MAL’s goal of transforming the agriculture sector in the country.
Minister Wasi when speaking during the signing ceremony thanked the Honorable Premier and the good people of Isabel province for agreeing to allocate the huge area of land free of charge, for agriculture national facilities.
“On behalf of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), I extend our sincere gratitude to the Premier and the good people of Isabel Province for your invaluable support and assistance in this important initiative”, said Minister Wasi.
“There is no other province that has allocated such a huge portion of land to the national government let alone a ministry”, said Minister Wasi.
“it is in this regard that I wholeheartedly thank you Premier Kile and your good people of Isabel for this historic gift to the national government through my ministry”, he further added.
“In fact, you have set the pace for other provinces to have similar arrangements with my ministry and I cannot thank you enough for your vision”, he stated.
“As I speak, the first project materials for the establishment of the national cattle breeding centre has landed at the Ports. It shows my ministry’s strong commitment to implement the MOU that we have just signed”, said Minister Wasi.
In response, the Premier of Isabel Province, Honourable Lawrence Hayward Kile, expressed his appreciation to MAL for selecting Isabel as the suitable site for developing these important national facilities for agriculture.
Premier Kile during his brief remarks said,
“Isabel Province has waited for a very long time for this significant partnership to materialize. Isabel is willing to offer more land to the national government for its national facilities to be established in the province”.
“In fact, the landmark signing we did today allow the ministry of agriculture and livestock to freely use the 687 Ha of land free of rent for its intended purpose”, remarked Premier Kile.
The Honorable Premier urged the national government to develop the land without delay.
“But let me also remind you that IPG under the previous regime has signed a similar Memorandum of Understanding with MAL in 2017 however, nothing has eventuated on the ground therefore, I urge the current leadership of GNUT through the capable hands of the MAL Minister Hon. Wasi, to develop the land without further delay”, said Premier Kile.
He stated that his government looks forward to the successful implementation of the proposed development and reaffirmed his full support for the initiative.
The Hon. Premier Kile also noted that Isabel Province has additional land available should MAL wish to expand its activities beyond the current plans for the Gozoruru property.
The primary objectives of the MOU are to:
• Facilitate the use of the Gozoruru land by MAL for the establishment of national agricultural research and development facilities.
• Promote enhanced collaboration and partnership between MAL and IPG in advancing agricultural development in Isabel Province and the wider Solomon Islands.
This landmark contribution of land by the Isabel Provincial Government represents a strategic commitment to boosting national agriculture initiatives. It will significantly support MAL in carrying out key research and development work across both the livestock and crop sectors benefiting not only farmers in Isabel Province but also those across the country.
The Gozoruru site will serve as a national hub for innovation and capacity building in agriculture, featuring:
• A state-of-the-art Agriculture Research and Training Centre.
• The National Cattle Breeding and Distribution Centre.
• A Rice Research and Demonstration Centre.
• A Pig Breeding Improvement Centre.
• Cocoa and Coconut Genetic Improvement and Distribution Centre.
MAL delegation to the successful signing included the MAL Minister Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, MAL PS Dr. Samson Viulu, Deputy Secretaries Technical and Special Duties as well as Directors for Livestock, Planning and Research Departments.
MAL is expected to commence activities on site from May this year with shipment of fencing materials for the cattle breeding center in the coming weeks followed by construction of facilities for rice, cocoa and coconut.
The 687 Ha allocated by the Isabel province to the ministry is rent-free and will host several national facilities for agriculture development.
Source: MAL Media