The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has marked a major step forward in strengthening the country’s pig industry with the arrival of new breeding pigs at KG VI Farm, a moment that has stirred hope among Indigenous farmers whose livelihoods, cultural obligations and family incomes rely heavily on healthy livestock.
The initiative, supported through the World Bank funded Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Project, officially begins the national Pig Breed Improvement Program, a long‑term effort to address poor genetics and widespread inbreeding that have weakened pig production across rural communities.
Obed Maneara, Director of Livestock and Veterinary Services, said the arrival of the pigs signals a turning point for farmers who have struggled with declining productivity. “These pigs represent a stronger foundation for our national breeding program. Improved genetics will help farmers raise healthier, faster‑growing and more productive pigs,” he said.
At present, 62 pigs from five private breeders are being housed at KG VI Farm. Selected gilts will be fed, vaccinated and conditioned before improved pig semen is introduced from Australia. SIART Project Manager Willima Okekini said the program is designed to ensure Indigenous farmers benefit directly from the new genetics. “This program is about bringing new genetics into Solomon Islands and making sure the benefits reach local farmers. The farmers are providing the gilts that will become the foundation for improved offspring,” he said.
Under the benefit‑sharing arrangement, farmers supply the gilts while MALD provides feeding, vaccination, animal health and breeding management. After weaning, the sow and half of the resulting piglets will be returned to the farmer, while the remaining piglets will form part of MALD’s nucleus breeding herd. This herd will later supply improved breeding stock to multiplier farmers and pig producers across the provinces.
The program will begin with around 30 sows, with a long‑term target of 80. By introducing new genetics, MALD aims to reduce the effects of inbreeding including smaller litter sizes, slower growth, poor fertility and increased stillbirths and rebuild a healthier national pig herd.
For many Indigenous farmers, pigs are more than livestock; they are cultural assets, sources of pride and essential income for families. The Pig Breed Improvement Program promises stronger animals, better productivity and renewed confidence in a sector central to rural life.
MALD is encouraging farmers to work closely with livestock officers, avoid inbreeding and adopt improved breeding practices as quality stock becomes available. The arrival of the pigs at KG VI Farm marks the beginning of a new chapter one that aims to lift farmer incomes, strengthen food security and build a more sustainable pig industry for communities across Solomon Islands.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture
