BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has been allocated $50 million for its development initiatives in 2025.

Minister Franklyn Wasi provided a detailed breakdown of the $50 million allocated for development programs in 2025.

The Agriculture Innovation Enhancement Program will receive $3.7 million to improve facilities at Tenaru and Garanga, renovate the King George VI farm, relocate high-quality cocoa seed gardens, and enhance the food testing laboratory.

The Cocoa and Coconut Development Support Program is allocated $20 million to address pest and disease management, provide equipment, develop nurseries, support replanting and processing initiatives, and include a revolving fund of $3.4 million for buyers and traders.

The Commercial Agriculture Development Program will benefit from $11.1 million to advance mechanized rice farming, export chains for taro and cassava, vegetable production, maize for livestock feed, and high-value fruit tree development.

The Food Security and Livestock Industry Program has been allocated $6 million to focus on cattle, piggery, and honey industries.

The Infrastructure Program will receive $2.7 million for office construction, staff housing, and pig breeding centers at provincial extension sites.

 Lastly, the Biosecurity Strengthening Program is allocated $6.4 million to enhance border risk management, import/export facilities, stakeholder awareness, training, and biosecurity infrastructure upgrades.

Minister Wasi noted that many of these initiatives began in 2024, and the funding will ensure their completion in 2025.