[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]
BY JUNELYN KELLY
The Solomon Islands Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local agribusiness through the signing of two funding agreements on Friday last week.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Nestor Giro, officiated the signing under the Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP).
A statement from the ministry said a total of SBD 780,000 was awarded to two local enterprises. Varivao Holdings Limited received SBD 700,000, while Malo Kitchen was granted SBD 80,000.
The ministry said that the funding is provided through the Commercial Agriculture Development Project Support Fund, that aims to support small and medium agribusinesses to acquire essential equipment and improve value-adding operations.
Varivao Holdings Limited will invest its funding in cold storage facilities, roofing materials, and cassava processing and packaging equipment.
Malo Kitchen will use its support to upgrade equipment and improve processing facilities to meet food safety and production standards.
During the ceremony, Minister Giro congratulated both recipients and emphasized the importance of using the funds effectively to achieve their intended outcomes.
Malo Kitchen Managing Director, Susan Timi, expressed gratitude, describing the funding as a significant milestone for her business.
“This support is a dream come true and will greatly improve our operations. We are committed to ensuring the funds are used as agreed and deliver results,” she said.
Varivao Holdings Limited Human Resource Manager, Redly Theomae, also acknowledged the support, noting it as an important step forward for the company and the communities it serves.
The signing marks Minister Giro’s first official engagement since being recently sworn as the minister for MALD.
The ministry reaffirms its commitment under the GNUT agriculture policy to continue supporting agribusiness development and creating opportunities for local businesses and the economy.
Photo credit: MALD
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