MALD Records 142 Expressions of Interest for Rice and Poultry Development Initiatives
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has recorded a total of 142 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under its 2026 call for applications for the Commercial Rice Development Programme (CRDP) and the Poultry Production Strengthening Programme (PPSP).
The strong response highlights growing national interest in commercial agriculture and reinforces the importance of these programmes in supporting food security, economic growth, and import substitution in the Solomon Islands.
Of the total EOIs received, the majority were concentrated in poultry-related projects, particularly proposals for broiler and layer farm establishments.
This trend reflects increasing confidence among farmers and agribusinesses in the poultry sector as a viable investment opportunity.
The Ministry noted that the high level of participation shows readiness among local stakeholders to expand domestic production and respond to rising demand for poultry products.
Meanwhile interest in rice farming initiatives, while present, remains comparatively low, indicating the need for continued awareness and targeted support to stimulate investment in domestic rice production.
The EOIs form part of MALD’s broader strategy to address key challenges affecting the agriculture sector, including high reliance on imported food, limited production capacity, and underdeveloped value chains.
Through the Poultry Production Strengthening Programme, MALD aims to tackle constraints such as high feed costs, limited access to quality day-old chicks, and gaps in veterinary and extension services. The programme is designed to enhance productivity, improve market access, and support sustainable growth within the poultry industry.
The Commercial Rice Development Programme meanwhile seeks to boost local rice production in Guadalcanal and Malaita province, with the long-term goal of reducing dependence on imported rice and strengthening national food security.
MALD will now move into the evaluation phase of the EOI process, including the assessment and shortlisting of applicants, followed by technical planning and implementation.
The Ministry acknowledges and commends all applicants for their strong interest and participation and remains committed to supporting commercially viable agricultural investments that contribute to the country’s development priorities.
EOI submission break down.
| EOI Code | Number of EOI applications | Project Description |
|
MALD EOI – 001 |
3 |
Establishment of a 19,000 egg capacity hatchery in Honiara/Guadalcanal |
| MALD EOI – 002 | 2 | Establishment of a 10,000 egg capacity hatchery in Honiara/Guadalcanal |
| MALD EOI – 003 | 1 | Establishment of a 5,000 bird poultry parent flock farm in Honiara/Guadalcanal |
| MALD EOI – 004 | 9 | Establishment of a combined 100 ha maize (corn) production on Guadalcanal |
| MALD EOI – 005 | 5 | Establishment of a commercial feed mill in Honiara/Guadalcanal |
| MALD EOI – 006 | 50 | Establishment of 1,000 broiler bird farms in Honiara/Guadalcanal |
| MALD EOI – 007 | 71 | Establishment of 1,000 layer bird farms in Honiara/Guadalcanal |
| MALD EOI – 008 | 1 | Establishment of 30 ha rice farm in Guadalcanal and 30 ha in Malaita |
| TOTAL | 142 |
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