CENTRAL MAKIRA CONSTITUENCY COMMENDS PRC’S SUPPORT FOR COCOA REHABILITATION

The Central Makira Constituency Office has expressed profound gratitude to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), through its Embassy in Solomon Islands, for their generous support of farming tools toward the rehabilitation and revitalization of cocoa production in Central Makira Constituency, Makira-Ulawa Province.

The assistance, comprising 68 brush cutters and accompanying spare parts, is a significant contribution to strengthening agricultural production and improving livelihoods across the constituency’s cocoa-growing communities.

“Cocoa remains a vital source of income for rural households in Central Makira, supporting families with food, education, transport, housing and other essential needs,” Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Gravis Tahiri said at a recent handover.

CDO Tahiri said, “In recent years, however, farmers have struggled to maintain their plantations amid overgrown gardens, high labour demands and the rising cost of farm maintenance. The new equipment arrives at a critical time, offering practical support for rehabilitation efforts across the constituency.

“With the brush cutters, farmers and community groups will be able to clear overgrown plantations more efficiently and reduce their reliance on manual labour, freeing up time for pruning, replanting, shade management, farm sanitation and other essential maintenance work. The inclusion of spare parts is especially valued, as it will help keep the machines operational and serviceable well into the future,” he emphasized.

Mr Tahiri said the Constituency Office noted this assistance as more than the provision of machinery, it is an investment in the long-term future of cocoa production, rural livelihoods and economic development in Central Makira.

“Beyond immediate practical benefits, the project is expected to encourage renewed engagement with plantations that had been neglected due to the burden of manual clearing.

“As farms become easier to maintain, farmers will have greater opportunity to boost production, improve cocoa quality and increase household income.

“The initiative may also draw more young people into agriculture by demonstrating that farming can be made more viable through improved tools and technology – an important consideration for a constituency where agriculture remains central to rural livelihoods and community development.

He further emphasized that the success of this support will depend on responsible management and fair access to the equipment.

“Communities and farmer groups will be encouraged to use the brush cutters primarily for cocoa rehabilitation and related agricultural work, and to maintain them properly to ensure long-term benefit,” he added.

On behalf of the people of Central Makira, the Member of Parliament and the Constituency Office, CDO Tahiri conveys its deepest gratitude to the government of the People’s Republic of China and its people for this meaningful partnership.

“The provision of 68 brush cutters and spare parts reflects a genuine commitment to grassroots development and the productive capacity of rural communities, and will help farmers overcome key challenges in restoring their plantations and improving their livelihoods,” he said.

He said the Constituency office looks forward to continued cooperation with PRC that strengthens agricultural development and improves living standards in the years ahead.

Part of the agricultural tools and parts funded by PRC to Central Makira Constituency on display at the recent handover ceremony.

The agricultural tools and parts funded by PRC to Central Makira.

– MRD Press