MALD MINISTER RECEIVES COURTESY CALL FROM GROW ASIA PACIFIC AND HOLDS BRIEF MEETING WITH VISITING TEAM

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) yesterday received a courtesy call from Grow Asia Pacific (GAP) and held a brief meeting with visiting delegates to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation in agricultural development, cocoa production, and rural livelihoods in Solomon Islands.

The Grow Asia Pacific delegation, led by Tamar Porat and cocoa specialist Pavel Muron, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, together with Deputy Secretary Technical (DST), Michael Ho’ota.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on current agricultural priorities and look at areas of potential collaboration.

The discussions focused on the Solomon Islands Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the agriculture sector through expanded cocoa and coconut production, with a national target of establishing 10,000 hectares of new plantings over the next two years.

Minister Wasi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving productivity, increasing farmer participation, and supporting rural economic growth through targeted agricultural interventions.

Meanwhile DST Michael Ho’ota provided an update on key implementation strategies, including the expansion of access to quality planting materials, the establishment of provincial nurseries, and the rehabilitation of aging cocoa plantations.

He noted that many existing cocoa and coconut trees in the country are more than 30 to 40 years old, highlighting the urgent need for replanting and improved agricultural practices to sustain long-term production.

During the meeting, Grow Asia Pacific cocoa specialist Pavel Muron shared his observations from working across the Pacific region, including Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Philippines.

He commended the exceptional quality of cocoa produced in Makira Province, noting the strong level of farmer knowledge and expertise.

“I have been deeply impressed by what I have seen in Makira,” Pavel said. “The quality of cocoa beans and the knowledge demonstrated by individual farmers is remarkable and stands out across the region.”

The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening agricultural extension services and building a skilled workforce to support the government’s expansion plans. The Ministry outlined ongoing initiatives such as the Young Professionals Programme, internship placements, and the rehabilitation of agricultural training centres, which are expected to enhance technical capacity and improve service delivery to farmers across the country.

Participants further discussed several challenges facing the agriculture sector, including limited access to planting materials, transport and logistics constraints, market access difficulties, and gaps across the agricultural value chain.

Youth engagement in agriculture was another key focus area. The Ministry emphasized its efforts to promote agriculture as a viable and profitable business opportunity for young people, including support for youth-led agribusiness initiatives and agricultural trading activities.

The discussion also explored how labour mobility programmes, such as the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, can be better linked to agricultural development by equipping returning workers with skills and resources to invest in farming enterprises.

Grow Asia Pacific reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth in Solomon Islands through partnerships with government, farmer organisations, and development stakeholders.

The courtesy call concluded on a positive note, with both MALD and Grow Asia Pacific expressing a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in cocoa development, improving rural livelihoods, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and youth throughout the country.

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MALD and GAP Meeting

Michael Ho’ota MALD DST and Hon Franklyn Derek Wasi Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development

Tamar Porat Grow Asia Pacific and Pavel Muron cocoa specialist