BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), in partnership with the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG), will establish an initial 100 hectares of Integrated Commercial Rice Development at Gozoruru, Isabel Province.
Minister of MAL Franklyn Wasi said this arrangement will be established under a MOU, which is to be signed on Friday this week in Isabel.
Speaking in an interview with Island Sun, Minister Wasi said MAL intends to implement its National Programmes in Horticulture Research for Development, Livestock Development and Integrated Commercial Rice Development in the Gozoruru property.
He said that under the 50-year MOU, MAL will also establish a station comprised of a 3 hectare of land for Residential Buildings, Office and Training Facilities, Water Supply, Power Supply and Logistic Support.
He stated that the MOU also involved the establishment of Research Infrastructures and Facilities, Food and Cash Crops Germplasm Collection Plots, Trials and Experimental Plots, cocoa and coconut varieties bulking site, plots for soil activities, Installations and constructions of other associated infrastructures for Research and Development activities and Land Use Planning.
The minister said the MOU is also set for establishment of a cattle breeding herd, small livestock and apiary breeding units, livestock slaughter facilities, installations and constructions of other associated infrastructures for the livestock developments.
“Integrated Commercial Rice Development: Establishment of plots and dykes, Installation of irrigation system, Establishment of drying courts, Installation of storage silos, Installation of rice milling facilities, packaging, labelling and marketing, Installations and constructions of other associated infrastructures for the rice development,’’ said Wasi.
He said MAL will provide all necessary funds, equipment, technical and backup support in ensuring that the proposed developments should be able to start in the shortest time possible.
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