BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
A discussion was held with the rural root crop and vegetation market vendors and farmers in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, on Sunday, May 17.
This session was part of the STODAS Project (Component 1 Activity), which is based on challenges validation and verification, and creating good market linkage opportunities.
Deputy Director (Supervising) of the Department of Planning and Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Jules Damutalau, explained that through the activity, a report will be compiled for consideration.
While one of the focuses during the activity was the avenues available in the provinces, Damutalau raised that one challenge is the process to link the market and the farmers.
“Now as we have seen, there are market opportunities, but the problem is that there is no linkage between the market and farmers.
“We have marketing opportunities, such as institutions, hospitals, and schools that need fresh crops and vegetation. However, because there is no link, this barrier becomes a challenge for us,” he said.
Damutalau said discussions have also been made with institutions like correctional services, hospitals, and schools.
He said there is a gap, and they will look for alternatives to establish a connection.
“I have discussed with the principal of Aligegeo PSS and Kilu’ufi Hospital, as well as Auki Correctional Services, and they have seen and understood,” he said.
He said that the Ministry will try to find alternatives to connect the link to at least help and support farmers and institutions.
Damutalau said connecting the market link between the institutions and farmers will give hope to the struggling farmers in the province.
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