Fisheries ministry rolls out $11 million budget support for seaweed farmers across country with material handover this week
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The ministry of fisheries has helped seaweed farmers, in line with $11 million allocated for this purpose in the ministry’s 2025 budget.
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) Nestor Giro early this week handed over a consignment of essential seaweed farming materials to a group of farmers representing seaweed producers from across the provinces, a statement from the MFMR yesterday said.
The handover event, held in Honiara, is part of the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) initiative aimed at boosting seaweed farming and achieving the ambitious national production target of 10,000 tonnes for 2025, the statement said.
Mr Giro emphasised the significance of the project, describing seaweed farming as one of the GNUT Government’s flagship initiatives.
He urged farmers to drive the success of the program for the benefit of themselves, their communities, and the country.
“This is a flagship project because we all benefit from it as individuals and as a nation,” said Giro.
The materials, intended exclusively for seaweed farming, are part of an $11 million allocation from the 2025 budget, which represents an increase from the $7 million allocated in 2024, the statement said.
The Minister reminded farmers that these materials are not for sale and must be used as intended to ensure the project’s success.
“The government has entrusted us to use these materials with a good heart. They are for our benefit, the benefit of the provinces, and the national economy,” he said.
Giro said the materials would be distributed only to regions identified as conducive to seaweed farming.
He encouraged existing farmers to continue their efforts and acknowledged that not all areas are suitable for seaweed cultivation due to environmental factors.
“Only those of you who plant seaweed will benefit from this support. These materials will go to potential areas where farming is viable,” he said.
The Minister also shared updates on discussions with potential investors to certify Solomon Islands’ seaweed products, which would enhance market access and value, the statement added.
Despite funding delays from previous years, the increased allocation for 2025 marks a critical step toward revitalising the sector.
Giro reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in seaweed farming as a key driver of economic growth, rural development, and community empowerment.
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