By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Auki-based Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Extension officers have completed their assessments and training for the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural and Transformation (SIART) project recipients in the three regions of Malaita province. 

The aim of the assessments and training is to increase commodity production and standardise good farming practices to produce quality products as a group in order to access the market. 

The SIART Capacity Building component representative said the assessments and training covered three regions; North Malaita, Central Kwara’ae and West Kwaio. 

“The assessments and training are basically to make sure the SIART project recipients are on track with their projects and are increasing their production of crops and livestock that they are venturing into.

“The project recipients are doing great, as we expected. 

“For the Southern region of Malaita Province, we will soon visit them,” the MAL officer said. 

The officer said young professionals involved are also participating in the programme, working alongside the Auki MAL extension officers and Community Resource Persons (CRP).

SIART Project, a World Bank-funded initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), aims to transform agriculture in the Solomon Islands by strengthening Agribusiness Producer Organizations (ABPOs).

It provides training, equipment, and cash grants to enhance productivity and market access for various commodities.

The project supports key agricultural value chains, including cocoa, coconut, fruit trees, and small livestock, and has successfully conducted capacity-building programs and distributed equipment across Makira, Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces.

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