BY CHRIS ALEX
MINISTER for Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Franklyn Derick Wasi announced the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to transforming the agriculture sector in a keynote address on World Food Day held at FOPA Village this Wednesday.
“Under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), the administration aims to drive sustainable economic growth by focusing on agricultural development,” he stated.
Minister Wasi outlined GNUT’s dual pillars for agriculture making agriculture appealing to all segments of society to ensure the sector’s solidity and strengthening agriculture as the economic backbone of the Solomon Islands.
“To achieve sustainable development, GNUT’s policy for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is built on two fundamental pillars.
“One, making agriculture attractive across all of society, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector, and two, growing and strengthening agriculture as the economic backbone of Solomon Islands”.
Highlighting the Ministry’s policy strategy, Wasi stressed that agriculture holds the key to a resilient, self-sustaining economy.
The policy roadmap includes several transformative initiatives, including:
- Organizational Restructuring: Streamlining the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to enhance operational efficiency.
- Legislative Updates: Reviewing and enacting new laws and regulations tailored to modern agricultural demands.
- Extension Service Revitalization: Strengthening support for farmers through increased outreach and training.
- Commodity and Value-Added Production: Diversifying and enhancing the profitability of agricultural products.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Developing systems that withstand environmental challenges while remaining productive and sustainable.
- Over the next four years, these initiatives are expected to enhance the Ministry’s effectiveness, creating a healthy agriculture industry that drives economic growth.
Minister Wasi expressed optimism that the policy would encourage domestic-driven agricultural production, reduce reliance on imports, and increase agricultural exports.
Wasi acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders, including sister ministries, schools, youth groups, NGOs, and local farmers, commending their efforts in supporting agricultural development. He also thanked the World Food Day Organizing Committee for their hard work in bringing together various groups to share their insights and showcase their contributions.
Minister Wasi called on international partners to invest in sustainable agriculture, address food security, and support vulnerable communities.
“Together, we can build a future where food is accessible, equitable, and sustainable for all,” Wasi stated, encouraging unity in creating food systems that thrive alongside nature.
