By Loretta B Manele
The first pineapple export is expected to take place during the 3rd quarter of 2025.
Dr Samson Viulu, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) revealed this during an interview with the media after the opening of “World Food Day” on Wednesday, 30th October at SINU, Panatina FOPA village.
He said their friends from the Australian High Commission encouraged the idea for Solomon Islands to export fresh pineapple, particularly from Malaita province.
Viulu said from their visits to pacific island countries they found that the tastiest pineapples came from Solomon Islands.
He mentioned that of course other provinces also produce the fruit but Malaita stands out because of the unique flavour of pineapples grown there and because the province has “strength” in producing the fruit.
Viulu said MAL has already purchased two fumigators last year, which is the machined used to treat fresh pineapples like removing pests from its skin before it’s exported.
He added that while the machines are already in the country, they are yet to be installed as there is no housing or chamber to accommodate them.
Viulu said it’s been a week now since they’ve put out a tender for interested contractors to submit their applications to construct the fumigation chamber.
“This tender will close on 5th Nov and the selected contractor will build the fumigation chamber and do the installation of the machines at the ministry’s area at Henderson”
Viulu said hopefully, the country should export fresh pineapple to Australia by the 3rd quarter of 2025.
