BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
A two-day Market Linkage Workshop for Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project recipients and farmers successfully concluded yesterday in Auki, Malaita Province.
The workshop was organised to strengthen rural livelihoods through agriculture and agribusiness development under the SIART programme.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Franklyn Derek Wasi, attended the event as guest of honour.
A statement from the Ministry confirmed that a similar workshop will also be held in Malu’u, North Malaita, from May 21 to 22, 2026.
The workshop aims to strengthen agricultural production and value chains within the provinces while improving market access for rural farmers.
Speaking during the workshop, Minister Wasi said limited access to reliable markets remains one of the biggest challenges faced by rural farmers.
“Many challenges and setbacks have been faced by rural farmers, especially regarding access to reliable markets, buyers, transport, storage and business information,” he said.
Minister Wasi and his delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Malaita Provincial Government House where they met with Malaita Premier Elijah Asilau’a.
The team later visited the newly constructed agriculture office building in Auki.
The SIART programme is implemented by MALD and supported by the World Bank.
The initiative brings together key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, improve coordination and support agricultural growth and rural economic development across the country.
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