Central province to revive Hakama farm, set to boost provincial revenue
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Central Island Province Premier (CIP) Michael Salini together with the province’s agriculture and lands division staff visited the Hakama farm recently.
The newly elected premier said the visit aims to discuss some of the issues of landowning groups and surrounding communities before reviving the farm as part of the government’s policy to prioritise agriculture as one of the key sectors.
“That is apart from Tourism and Fisheries,” said Salini.
He said that as part of the programme they already bought some piglets, equipment and feed to start with the piggery breeding programme.
“Next will be the cattle etc. We are also looking for support to help us with the major developments of the farm.
“Some are already indicated support but will need to work on the details,” he said.
Salini stressed that he hopes that through CIP’s sister relationship with a province in China, CIP can tap into support in terms of technical support and equipment.
“What strikes me is while Hakama is such a beautiful farm with so much potential, it will need a lot of investment to get it up and running. We need investments in housing, facilities, staffing, equipment etc.”
The Premier said that the Government will need to work hard to revitalise the once thriving farm to its former state and more.
“We need to bring modern technology and know-how that help us develop it. Hakama can be a food bowl for the country if we get it back up and running.
“There is so much potential in that place. We need to work on that potential to realise it,” he said.
“Overall, there is so much to do in our province.
“We need to work together and I believe we can develop our province into a prosperous and peaceful place we can all enjoy and be proud of.
“The story of Hakama is the story of Central Province. we can get it all back together. It’s not impossible,” said Salini.
