Minister Nestor Giro Signs Two Funding Agreements Worth SBD780,000 to Support Local Agribusinesses in the Solomon Islands.
The new Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nestor Giro, today signed two funding agreements under the Commercial Agriculture Development Support Project (CADP), reinforcing the Government’s commitment to strengthening local agribusinesses in the Solomon Islands.
Under the agreements, a total of SBD780,000 has been awarded to two local enterprises.
Varivao Holdings Limited received SBD700,000, while Malo Kitchen was awarded SBD80,000.
The funding is provided through the Commercial Agriculture Development Project Support Fund, an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) aimed at assisting small and medium agribusinesses to acquire essential equipment and improve value-adding operations.
Varivao Holdings Limited will use its funding to invest in cold storage, roofing materials, labour, a grafting machine, and cassava processing and packaging equipment, as outlined in its approved work plan.
Malo Kitchen will utilize its support to upgrade equipment and improve its processing facilities to meet required food safety and production standards.
Giving his remarks at the signing ceremony, Minister Giro congratulated the two recipients and emphasized the importance of using the funds effectively.
“On behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, I wish to congratulate you both. Please ensure that the funds are fully utilised to support the growth of your business investments. The ministry received many applications, but after thorough assessment, you were selected because you demonstrated commitment as business owners before seeking government support,” he said.
Malo Kitchen Managing Director, Susan Timi, expressed her appreciation, 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 to demonstrating that this investment will deliver results,” she said.
Varivao Holdings Limited Human Resource Manager, Redley Theomae, also acknowledged the support, noting that it marks an important step forward for the company and the communities it serves.
Varivao is currently the sole major exporter of cassava to Australia with nine (9) containers exported last year. This year, they have exported two containers of cassava tubers and grated cassava to the Australian market.
Malo Kitchen is a woman agri-entrepreneur who purchases ginger from provincial women farmers to process into ginger candies, ginger powder, and other ginger products. Apart from ginger, Malo Kitchen also produces breadfruit flour and turmeric products.
The signing today marks the first engagement of Giro since he was sworn in as the new Minister for MALD early this week.
The Ministry reaffirmed that, under the GNUT Agriculture Policy, it will continue to support agribusiness development across the country, creating opportunities for local businesses and strengthening rural economies.
SOURCE: MALD Press Release
