Materials to revive the Mile 6 Cattle Project have arrived in Gizo, Western Province last week.
The arrivals signaled the restart of one of the province’s major agricultural undertakings.
The shipment facilitated through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) in partnership with the Western Provincial Government (WPG), includes 1,500 star pickets and 100 rolls of barbed wire to support fencing work at the Mile 6 pasture area.
Chief Field Officer for Agriculture, Sipuru Rove, confirmed to the Solomon Star in an interview that preparations are now underway.
The first phase of the project will involve fencing of the 32-hectare pasture and covering associated labour costs.
“We are currently waiting for the Western Provincial Government’s contribution to commence fencing work at the Mile 6 site,” Mr. Rove said.
He explained that the original plan was to fence the entire 70-hectare area, but due to limited funding, work will begin with 32 hectares first.
The remaining area will be developed later, including clearing grass and trees to prepare for full pasture development.
Freight costs for the materials, estimated at $11,000, have already been paid, allowing the project to proceed as soon as materials are transported to the site.
Mr. Rove described the revival of the project as a significant milestone for the province, aimed at boosting local beef production and revitalizing the livestock sector.
“The purpose of the project is to strengthen the Mile 6 Cattle Farm for breeding purposes before distributing improved stock to smallholder farmers,” he explained.
“Currently, the cattle are in breeding, which is not ideal. Once new facilities are in place, we will introduce new breeds to improve the quality of herds and enhance quality production,” he said.
He said his team is prepared to commence work as the project enters its implementation stage.
Meanwhile, a total of $377,040 has been allocated under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) for the fencing of the Mile 6 Cattle Farm.
Mr. Rove also acknowledged the support and swift approval from Permanent Secretary Samson Viulu, whose office responded promptly to fast-track the project’s revival.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
