Agriculture Minister Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi Announces National Targets for the Poultry Industry

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, has outlined ambitious national targets aimed at revitalizing the poultry industry in the Solomon Islands.

Delivering the opening remarks during a consultation meeting with local poultry farmers, Hon. Wasi emphasized MALD’s commitment to addressing key challenges and fostering sustainable growth within the sector.

While acknowledging the efforts made by local poultry farmers, the Minister also recognized the significant challenges they continue to face.

He outlined several major initiatives and national targets that MALD aims to achieve within the next three years.

“I understand that the biggest challenge you face as poultry farmers is the high cost of feed and the unreliable supply of day-old chicks. These challenges have placed you at a disadvantage, making it difficult to compete with cheaper imported eggs and poultry products,” Hon. Wasi said.

National Poultry Industry Targets

The national targets announced by the Minister include:

• Establishment of a new hatchery at KGVI Farm with a capacity of 10,000 eggs, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the European Union.
• Procurement of mini feed mills to enable local production of poultry and piggery feed.
• Development of 100 hectares of maize and corn farms on Guadalcanal to supply raw materials for domestic feed production.
• Establishment of the Solomon Islands’ first commercial feed mill for poultry and piggery.
• Establishment of the country’s first parent flock breeding centre to locally produce fertile eggs.
• Distribution of 20,000 birds to 20 selected farmers this year, including feed and essential farm equipment.
• Major infrastructure investments, including a World Bank-funded slaughterhouse nearing completion at KGVI Farm, and plans to acquire animal transport trucks and a mobile slaughter unit to support farmers outside Honiara.

Hon. Wasi said these targets aim to significantly increase domestic egg and poultry production, with a goal of reducing retail prices to SBD 25 per packet of eggs and SBD 50 per whole chicken by the end of this year or early next year.

He explained that achieving these targets would allow the government to introduce higher taxes on imported poultry products and eventually impose import restrictions.

The strategy also encourages the establishment of local poultry cooperatives to improve organization, marketing, and long-term sustainability.

The Minister stressed the importance of strong collaboration between MALD and poultry farmers, particularly accountability from those who have previously received government support.

“Together, we will rebuild the poultry industry into a vibrant, profitable, and affordable sector that improves livelihoods and strengthens food security in the Solomon Islands,” Hon. Wasi said.

During the consultation, farmers shared experiences operating farms with flock sizes ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 birds. Key challenges raised included the high cost of poultry feed, unreliable supply of day-old chicks, limited veterinary services, inadequate farm infrastructure, and high bird mortality rates. Farmers also expressed concern about the impact of cheaper imported eggs and poultry products on local production and incomes.

Hon. Wasi emphasized that future ministry support would focus on committed poultry farmers to ensure reliable supply and sustainable industry growth.

In his concluding remarks, the Minister urged all past recipients of Solomon Islands Government (SIG) support to submit reports detailing how previous funds were utilized.

“If past recipients wish to be considered for further funding support, you must first submit reports on how previous assistance was used. Without this, MALD will not consider you for additional support,” he said.

MALD Permanent Secretary, Dr. Samson Viulu, assured farmers that their concerns are being taken seriously and have been incorporated into the National Poultry Strategy 2026–2028.

MALD reaffirmed that strong collaboration, accountability, and continued engagement with farmers remain central to building a resilient and sustainable poultry industry in the Solomon Islands.

Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi delivering his statement during MALD’s dialogue with poultry farmers

One of the poultry farmers sharing his views during the dialogue

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MALD Press Release