GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has signed a one million grant agreement recently with the Solomon Poultry Farmers Association (SPFA) to help boost poultry production with the determination to reduce imports of poultry meat and eggs.
The agreement was signed by Permanent Secretary Ethel Frances on behalf of the government/MAL and David Suata Secretary and Program Coordinator of SPFA.
The funding will directly help three SPFA poultry out-growers and 40 smallholder broiler farmers in Honiara with the aim to boost their poultry business productivity.
Valid for one year, the funding support will enable farmers to purchase day-old chicks, drinkers, and feeder equipment and stock feed.
PS Frances expressed happiness on the signing of the agreement between the government/MAL and SFPA and expressed the commitment of the Government towards mutual cooperation and support to farmers to ensure they succeed in their farming undertakings.
She said MAL is committed to ensuring our farmers are ready to supply local products to the South Pacific Games 2023 therefore MAL is looking forward to working closely with SPFA in the implementation phase of the project and achievement of this goal.
The support is anticipated to enhance the capability of farmers to increase production of poultry meat and egg production, and reduce import of poultry meat and eggs, hence, to provide sufficient poultry product during and after the 2023 South Pacific Games (SPG).
Photo caption: (L-R) Principal Livestock Officer, Max Maetoloa Lazarus, MAL Deputy Secretary – Corporate and Strategic Planning, Elda Leah Wate, Permanent Secretary Ethel Tebengi Frances, SPFA Secretary, and Program Coordinator, David Suata and a rep from SPFA with copies of the signed grant agreement after the signing at MAL headquarter office in Honiara.
SOURCE: MAL
