By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) has invested SDB 6.99 million in 16 Agribusiness Producer Organizations (APBO) in Malaita Province.
The SIART project’s goal is to increase agricultural production and improve market access in selected provinces, namely Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira/Ulawa.
The project also aims to enhance agricultural sustainability and livelihoods, and it prioritizes a prompt and effective response in the event of an eligible crisis or emergency.
According to a media release from SIART on Tuesday, Malaita piggery farmers have expressed their appreciation for the support provided through the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project.
The statement said this support will improve the livelihoods of rural communities by allowing farmers to produce healthier pigs, which will increase their earnings and in turn, enable them to afford necessities for their households and their children’s education.
Almost 16 associations that received support from the SIART project will benefit from a $400,000 grant that includes the construction of a breeding and fattening shelter, improvement of breeding stock, tools and equipment, and a working capital revolving fund for members of the association to purchase stock and feed.
Tom Irosaea from Fa’arau Village in Central Kwara’ae said the project will help and support them to achieve their dreams.
“I was a piggery farmer for 40 years. In our community, we have struggled to have a breeding shelter for our people, but it is hard. So, we are thankful that SIART is supporting us in achieving this dream.
“In Fa’arau village, the association’s breeding shelter is already taking shape, and we are confident that it will be completed by the end of this year,” he said.
Island Sun understands that most of the associations are yet to complete their breeding shelters, due to delayed materials.
SIART is also providing refresher training for local farmers on pig husbandry, animal health, and financial literacy to enable the association to manage their ABPO.
Photo credit: SIART
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