The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, has signed a significant land lease agreement with the Premier of Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG), Hon. Stanley Siapu, paving the way for a major agricultural development initiative at Okea, North Guadalcanal Plains.
The agreement, covering 5.87 hectares of land, marks a crucial step toward advancing agricultural development under the Ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity, food security, and rural economic growth across the Solomon Islands.
In his remarks during the signing ceremony, Minister Wasi acknowledged the cooperation between the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government, describing the occasion as a milestone in the GNUT Government’s policy commitment to make agriculture attractive and restore its position as the country’s economic backbone.
“This agreement represents our collective vision to transform underutilized land into productive agricultural hubs that will benefit farmers, communities, and the nation as a whole,” Minister Wasi said.
“The Ministry is ready to commence planning and implementation of key agricultural programs on this site to support local farmers and contribute to national food security.”
The primary purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to establish a framework for cooperation between MAL and MUPG for the sustainable utilisation of the Okea land (Parcel 192-006-55) for agricultural, livestock, and commercial development.
Under the MOU, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will:
- Establish cassava demonstration plots and production systems;
- Develop poultry (broiler and layer) and piggery units, including housing, feed storage, and hatchery facilities;
- Promote food security and market-oriented agricultural production;
- Strengthen capacity building for MUPG staff and students through training, attachments, and technical support; and
- Enable MUPG to exercise direct commercial interests in a reserved 1 to 1.5-hectare portion of the site.
Premier Siapu welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working closely with MAL to ensure the project’s success.
“This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to unlocking Makira-Ulawa’s agricultural potential and ensuring that our people benefit from sustainable development,” Premier Siapu said.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will commence initial site preparations and assessments in the coming months, with development activities expected to begin in 2026.
The signing took place shortly after the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government, led by Premier Siapu, reclaimed ownership of the Okea land through a customary chupu ceremony with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and the Ghaobata Tribe, the traditional landowners. The parcel of land was originally acquired by the province in 1997.
This partnership reflects the Solomon Islands Government’s broader agenda to modernize the agriculture sector, strengthen provincial collaboration, and enhance sustainable rural livelihoods through strategic investment and development.
Source: MAL Press