The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Guadalcanal Province Extension Office (Agriculture Division) has supported SPK farm with the donation of required farming tools last month 29th September.
This was days after a team comprised of senior officers from MAL head office and Guadalcanal Province Extension office (Agriculture Division) made a joint visit to the farm on 23rd September an
d witnessed challenges that SPK farm is facing.
The donated items include one 16 litres knapsack sprayer, two draining spades, one 50-metre roll shade cloth, two 5 litres watering cans and a wheelbarrow.
The support was part of the Ministry’s through its GP Extension office appreciation toward SPK farm management commitment for progressing the farm despite support impediments and challenges faced.
Permanent Secretary of MAL Ethel Frances was impressed with SPK farm progress since its humble beginning in June 2019.
PS Frances who also accompanied the visiting team toured SPK farm before handing over of the tools to the farm manager.
Ms. Frances said challenges that farmers are facing is undisputable and those who took the initiative to start without any government support must and continue to do so must be applauded especially at a time when many people think that to go into farming require government support.
“Our visit is basically to show our support and acknowledge farmers who are making it happen without government support. The tools now given to you today is a gesture acknowledging and appreciating your great efforts.
“There is also the thinking that the government has to support in a big way but those who are content and see their place in building our nation value a simple visit like this so we are so honoured to be here and show you our support this way.”
SPK farm Managing Director and owner Stephen Keve in response thanked PS Frances and her team for the timely donation of tools and for visiting his farm.
He said the donation was the first of its kind for his management to receive from the government, thus, it’s a progressive step to bigger things as SPK farm is hopeful for.
Mr. Keve said the donation is a bonus to his farm expansion efforts.
He also used the opportunity and highlighted challenges and needs of SPK farm to PS Frances and her visiting team.
“Let’s work together towards agriculture development in this country,” Mr. Keve concluded.
The farming tools was acquired under the Covid-19 Livelihood budget.
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