GOVERNMENT through its responsible athorities have been urged to support and encourage more value-added products initiative in the country.
The comments were made following the successful completion of a five days Sea Processing and Value Adding Training on Friday.
The workshop was held the Solomon Islands University of the South Pacific (USP) campus at the Mokolo building near Mataniko bridge.
About 20 women took part in the training.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Friday facilitator Gabriel Titili said such an initiative should be undertaken by relevant government authorities targetting the rural communities and ordinary individuals.
"Such a activity should be the responsible of the government to provide training in such areas to the local people and communities to add value to their products," he said.
He said there is a potential for this country to venture into value-added projects by processing available resources in to the country.
"Not only with sea food but other local food products grown in the country," he said.
Mr Titili based in Suva, Fiji said with the vast marine resources available in the country there is a potential for value-adding in this area.
He said now a days there are fishermen and women who found it difficult to sell their catch because of increase price and competition.
"Therefore fishermen and women should move into value-adding their products because there are markets for in hotels, shops, restaurants and local people," he said.
He said the first ever training last week is a classic example of how things should be done in the country.
He said there is a potential for more women to engage in more value-added products as long as there is support.
Accessing market is important for the local products, he also pointed out.
Packaging is still a problem which had been identified following the training because some of the fish products were packed inside used bottles from other products such as jam.
Following the closing more women are becoming interested in the seafood processing and value adding training.
Mr Titili said other groups have approached him to conduct similar training.
Few more training are expected this year and will be advertised.
As of today similar training for women in Isabel province is being held at Buala.
The Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan through the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) funded the training.
ROC ambassador George Chan at the closing of the workshop congratulated the women for the successful completing the course.
He said such a training is important to value to products.
Mr Chan said his government had seen the importance of such training in the country.
Acting head of the Solomon Islands Campus Stanley Houma said such a training is design for individual and communities who have not been able to access basic education training.
"This is design as a skill-based training for peple interested in the seafood processing and value adding," he said.
He said the completion of the training is important to get the women gain exra skills.
Through out last week, about 20 women were taught how to construct local solar dryer and drums to smoke fish fillet.
They also move into areas of filleting, marinating and packaging.
A number of varieties and flavors involving lemon, chili, garlic and ginger were taught.
After the closing Mr Chan and other guests were able to inspect and have a taste of the sea products.
Mr Chan acknowledged the various fishes saying its delicious and the training had indeed provide skills to the local women mostly house wives to value add fish.
A representative from the women during the closing said they have learn alot from the training.
"This training had opened our eyes and learn extra things through out the week," she said.
They called for further training to upgrade their skills and to venture into other areas.
A USP recognised certificate were presented to each of the participant by Mr Chan.
By MOFFAT MAMU
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