PM Manele leads ground-breaking for Auki Agriculture Hub Project

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has officiated the ground-breaking ceremony for a new Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) office in Auki, marking a major step in strengthening agricultural services in Malaita Province.

The project is funded under the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Project, a government initiative supported by the World Bank aimed at boosting agricultural production and improving market access across key provinces.

Prime Minister Manele highlighted the historical significance of the site, noting that the original MAL office, which served the province since the 1960s, was destroyed by fire in 2015. The new development marks the restoration of a permanent government presence in Auki after more than a decade.

He said the construction aligns with the Government’s policy priorities under its infrastructure development and economic transformation agenda, reinforcing its commitment to the agricultural sector, widely regarded as the backbone of the Solomon Islands economy.

Once completed, the modern facility will serve as a central hub for agricultural coordination in Malaita, improving service delivery and strengthening engagement with farmers and agribusiness groups across the province.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Malaita Provincial Government, and the World Bank, stressing the importance of collaboration in delivering impactful development projects.

He assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to completing the project on time and to high standards, expressing confidence that the new office will play a key role in advancing agricultural growth and resilience in Malaita and beyond.

Through SIART, a total of 96 Agribusiness Producer Organizations (ABPOs) are being supported nationwide, with Malaita receiving the largest share- 45 groups backed by more than SBD 18 million in funding. These groups are engaged in key agricultural activities including cocoa, piggery, coconut, and other farming ventures, with investments covering infrastructure, equipment, and working capital to increase productivity and farmer incomes.

Turning of the Sod, MAL provincial office.