BY BEN BILUA
PREMIER of Western Province Billy Veo welcomes the Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project, describing it as an important initiative that will help farmers and families generate income while producing healthy and nutritious food.
Speaking during the launch of the project yesterday, Veo said his government fully supports the initiative as it will provide both technical and financial support to farmers while strengthening service delivery in rural communities.
He pledges his government’s commitment to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to ensure the successful implementation of the project across the province.
Veo also stressed the need for a comprehensive awareness and advocacy programme to help communities understand the importance of the project.
“Community awareness is important as it will play a vital role in the implementation of the project,” he said.
Western Province Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Isaac Jenty said the project will support the province’s 2023–2027 Agriculture Sector Plan, which aims to strengthen smallholder farmers.
He said the initiative will play a crucial role in strengthening local agribusiness development in the province.
Jenty added that the project will benefit farmers through capacity building, improved access to markets and support for agricultural infrastructure.
Western Province Minister for Education, Gordon Zebo also welcomed the initiative, saying it will have a positive impact on schools.
“Today, many schools rely heavily on processed foods such as rice, noodles and flour.
“In the past, many schools-maintained gardens where students grew vegetables and root crops to supplement school meals and learn farming skills. I strongly believe this project will support our schools to improve students’ meals,” he said.
Zebo acknowledged that the AIM-N initiative will support efforts to reintroduce school gardens and promote nutritious local food while equipping students with practical agricultural knowledge.
The Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition Project is a six-year initiative with a value of approximately US$20 million.
Launched in July 2025, the project aims to improve food security, nutrition and rural incomes for more than 18,000 people—representing about 6,100 households—in Choiseul, Isabel and Western provinces.
The government and its partners will work together to support sustainable agriculture, strengthen rural livelihoods and promote healthier communities across Solomon Islands.
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