SIART distributes SBD14.6M in farming tools and equipment to boost rural agriculture across three provinces
Thursday 14 May, Honiara – The Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project has made significant progress with the procurement and distribution for grant-funded tools, infrastructure and equipment for farmers in Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira/Ulawa Province.
Over SBD14,635,621 worth of farming tools, equipment and materials has been procured and distributed to Agribusiness Producer Organizations (ABPOs) in the three provinces to boost productivity.
Distribution to ABPOs has reached the 90% mark and is expected to be completed by June 2026.
“We assure our ABPOs that have not received some of their items as yet that procurement is in progress and the Project team is working hard on ongoing delivery to your respective provinces,” SIART Project Manager, William Okekini said.
“SIART remains committed to strengthening agriculture through the ABPOs, empowering young professionals, and investing in infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability and improved livelihoods for rural communities,” he added.
SIART has signed agreements with a total of 96 ABPOs, 45 in Malaita Province, 32 in Guadalcanal Province and 19 in Makira/Ulawa Province.
According to the SIART Project office, all the ABPOs have received their materials, farming tools, equipment and stationaries except for 29 ABPOs, 13 in Guadalcanal Province, 14 in Malaita Province and 2 in Makira/Ulawa Province who are yet to receive smaller items such as stationaries, generators and office equipment.
For ABPOs involving in vegetables and taro farming, specialized machines are been ordered for them from overseas which are expected to arrive in the country in June later this year.
The key procurement activities for SIART includes value chain support for cocoa, coconut, piggery, poultry and spices. For infrastructure development, this includes the procurement of materials for slaughter houses, processing facilities and equipment and the construction of new agriculture office buildings in Auki, Malaita Province and Kirakira, Makira/Ulawa Province.
For capacity development, SIART has procured IT equipment (tablets) for Young Professionals (YPs) working as junior extension agriculture officers in the provinces and providing support to ABPOs.
As part of its Agribusiness and Infrastructure Investment component, SIART aims to increase farm production and income and help farmers sell more products by forming and supporting the ABPOs. These are groups of farmers and agri-entrepreneurs who work together to access markets, financing, and support services.
This has assisted the ABPOs in strengthening agricultural activities and funds are also utilized for various purposes including administration, transport hire, training, labour costs and operational costs.
SIART is supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The Project’s objective is to increase agricultural production and improve market access in selected value chains in Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira/Ulawa. Additionally, the project ensures a prompt and effective response in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency.
PRESS RELEASE
