[Published on Saturday, Jan 31]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MAL), Franklyn Derek Wasi, has announced a series of ambitious national targets that aim to revitalise and expand the poultry industry in the Solomon Islands over the next three years.
The targets were outlined during a consultation meeting with local poultry farmers on Thursday, January 29, where the Minister reaffirmed MAL’s commitment to address long-standing challenges faced by the sector and to promote sustainable growth.
Wasi acknowledged the efforts of local poultry farmers, noting that despite difficult operating conditions, many have continued production to support domestic food supply.
However, he said the high cost of poultry feed and the unreliable supply of day-old chicks remain the biggest obstacles, placing local farmers at a disadvantage against cheaper imported eggs and poultry products.
“To address these challenges, MAL has set clear national targets that will strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports,” Wasi said.
Key initiatives include the establishment of a new hatchery at KGVI Farm with a capacity of 10,000 eggs, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the European Union.
The ministry also plans to procure mini feed mills to enable local production of poultry and piggery feed and develop 100 hectares of maize and corn farms on Guadalcanal to supply raw materials for feed production.
Additional plans include the establishment of the country’s first commercial poultry and piggery feed mill, the first parent flock breeding centre to locally produce fertile eggs, and the distribution of 20,000 birds to 20 selected farmers this year, along with feed, essential farm equipment, and infrastructure support.
Major infrastructure investments are also underway, including a World Bank-funded slaughterhouse nearing completion at KGVI Farm, as well as plans to acquire animal transport trucks and a mobile slaughter unit to support farmers outside Honiara.
Wasi said the targets aim to significantly increase domestic egg and poultry production, reduce retail prices to $25 per packet of eggs and $50 per whole chicken, and eventually allow the government to introduce higher taxes and restrictions on imported poultry products.
During the consultation, farmers raised concerns about high feed costs, limited veterinary services, inadequate infrastructure, high bird mortality rates, and competition from imports. MAL Permanent Secretary, Dr Samson Viulu said these concerns have been combined into the National Poultry Strategy 2026–2028.
Wasi said that future government support would prioritise committed farmers and urges all previous recipients of government assistance to submit accountability reports before further support is considered.
“Together, we will rebuild the poultry industry into a vibrant, profitable, and affordable sector that strengthens food security and improves livelihoods,” Wasi said.
Photo: Supplied
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