BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Malaita Provincial Permanent Secretary, George Eric, has praised key stakeholders for taking action in the agricultural sector in the country.
PS Eric made the acknowledgment when he delivered his keynote address at the recent Market Linkage Workshop in Auki.
He said even though challenges and setbacks are faced, agricultural stakeholders like farmers and producers continue to play a significant role in the sector.
He said with the efforts and struggles of farmers, agriculture has become the economic backbone of the provinces and the country as a whole.
“It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as we gather to discuss one of the most important pathways towards sustainable economic growth and rural transformation in Malaita Province and throughout our nation.
“I acknowledge your presence and commitment in supporting our rural farmers, agribusiness communities, and producer organisations, who continue to be the backbone of our economy,” he said.
He said the Solomon Islands Agriculture for Rural Transformation Project (SIART) presents enormous investment opportunities for our people through improved domestic and international marketing supply chain management.
He said that it also remains the lifeline of rural livelihoods, yet its full commercial potential has not been fully realised.
He said that the workshop reminds us that agriculture is not simply about production; it is about transforming lives and building economic independence for people.
“It can strengthen market linkages, formalise Agribusiness Producer Organizations, and improve partnerships between farmers, buyers, financial institutions, and development partners,” he said.
The workshop brought together ABPOs, farmers, private sector representatives, financial institutions, development partners, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen market access, improve coordination along agricultural value chains, and promote agribusiness development within Malaita Province.
Photo credit: MALD
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