BY NED GAGAHE
PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has highlighted the government’s strategic investments in the agriculture sector, underlining their role in driving economic growth and improving food security.
Speaking during the debate, PM Manele said the government is focused on export-oriented agricultural activities while simultaneously enhancing farmers’ purchasing power to strengthen domestic food security.
“As a government, we are intentional and deliberate in our strategy in the agriculture sector and in the allocation of resources,” he said. “We have not neglected food security; in fact, we have allocated nearly US$30 million for local food production and security through our partnerships.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s initiative to expand domestic rice production trials, which forms part of broader efforts to reduce the country’s rice import bill.
He also outlined several externally funded projects supporting local food production and nutrition, including:
- IFAD – Agriculture Investment for Market and Nutrition, with a budget of US$19 million over six years.
- FAO – Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agri-food System, with a budget of US$3 million over three years.
- FAO – Food Systems Integrated Programme, with a budget of US$5 million over five years.
- UNICEF and Japan – School Meals Nutrition Project, with a budget of US$3.4 million over three years.
PM Manele said that the government’s approach is both intentional and deliberate, aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector, boosting exports, and improving food security for Solomon Islanders.
“Our initiatives are designed not only to support farmers but also to ensure that our people have access to nutritious and affordable food while reducing reliance on imports,” he said.
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