BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
A seven-day shipping trial to Makira has successfully demonstrated cost-effective transportation of cocoa and copra to Honiara.
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Franklyn Wasi said this when he provided an update on the eight key policy priorities assigned to the Ministry under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
He provided the update during the ministry’s Annual Planning Conference that commenced on Monday, May 19 and will end tomorrow at the Honiara Hotel.
Strengthening Rural Shipping Access is the second of the eight key policy priorities for the Ministry, according to eight key policy priorities assigned to the ministry.
In his opening remarks, Wasi said that these priorities were introduced since the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) took office.
He said these key policy priorities form the bedrock of the sector-wide transformation anchored in inclusive growth, improved market access and food sovereignty.
According to Wasi, the plan is to replicate the plan to six destinations in the country.
“We plan to replicate this in Malaita Outer Islands, Shortland and Mono, Choiseul, Western Province and parts of Guadalcanal and Isabel,” he said.
He said that this will ensure producers in remote, high-yield areas are not left behind-especially during peak cocoa season from May to August.
The minister also acknowledged the dedication of rural farmers, commodity traders, exporters, value-adding entrepreneurs and service providers who continue to serve this nation with resilience and integrity.
The theme for the conference is “Transforming Agriculture for Economic Growth”.
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