Minister Wasi Highlights Agriculture Transformation in Response to the Speech from the Throne

The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Hon Franklyn Derek Wasi has reaffirmed the GREAT Coalition Government’s strong commitment to transforming the agriculture sector, describing it as the foundation of rural livelihoods, food security, and sustainable economic growth.

Speaking during his Response to the Speech from the Throne in Parliament today, Hon Wasi outlined the Ministry’s priorities and ongoing initiatives aimed at modernising agriculture, improving farmer livelihoods, and creating greater economic opportunities for Solomon Islanders.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of our rural economy. It provides food for our families, income for our communities, employment for our youth, and opportunities for economic growth across our nation,” Minister Wasi said.

He said the Ministry is implementing the National Agriculture Development Plan 2026–2030, while progressing key legislative reforms, including the proposed National Agriculture and Livestock Act and the review of the Biosecurity Act to strengthen governance and service delivery across the sector.

To improve access to agricultural services, the Ministry will progressively deploy agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies, ensuring farmers receive technical advice and extension support closer to their communities.

Food security remains a major priority. The Ministry is expanding programmes that promote climate-resilient crops such as taro, yam, bananas, breadfruit and ngali nut, while supporting commercial rice production and school agriculture initiatives to reduce dependence on imported food.

The Minister also highlighted the Government’s commitment to strengthening the livestock industry through increased poultry and egg production, improved pig breeding programmes, and the establishment of cattle and small ruminant breeding centres.

These initiatives aim to reduce imports, improve nutrition, and generate income for rural households.

Recognising the importance of agricultural exports, the Ministry is revitalising the cocoa and coconut industries by supporting the establishment of new plantations, rehabilitating ageing farms, expanding nurseries and improving post-harvest facilities. The Government has set an ambitious target of establishing 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations nationwide.

In addition, the Ministry is promoting agro-processing and value addition to encourage local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and increase export earnings. Investments in biosecurity, market access infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, organic certification, and agricultural research will further strengthen the sector’s long-term competitiveness.

The Minister acknowledged the valuable contributions of farmers, provincial governments, churches, the private sector, research institutions and development partners, whose continued collaboration remains essential to achieving the Government’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Minister Wasi said the GREAT Coalition Government is committed to delivering practical outcomes that improve food security, create employment, increase exports, and build a modern, resilient and commercially competitive agriculture sector for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders.

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MALD Press Release