Government through the Ministry for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has announced a series of national targets aimed at revitalising the poultry industry in the Solomon Islands over the next three years.
Part of the target is to reduce retail prices of eggs and chicken by the end of this year or early next year.
The current price per packet of egg is between $38-$42 per packet. The aim is to see the price selling at SBD 25.00 per packet.
While for the whole chicken its around $80 to $100. The aim is to reduce that to SBD 50 per whole chicken.
Speaking during a consultation meeting with local poultry farmers, the Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi, acknowledged the efforts of domestic producers while highlighting persistent challenges that continue to hinder the sector’s growth.
Minister Wasi identified the high cost of poultry feed and the unreliable supply of day-old chicks as the most significant obstacles facing local farmers, noting that these factors make it difficult for domestic producers to compete with cheaper imported eggs and poultry products.
“The biggest challenge you face is the high cost of feed and the unreliable supply of day-old chicks. This has placed local farmers at a disadvantage,” he said.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has outlined several major initiatives under its national poultry development plan.
Key targets include the establishment of a new hatchery at KGVI Farm with a capacity of 10,000 eggs, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the European Union.
MALD also plans to procure mini feed mills to support local production of poultry and piggery feed, and to develop 100 hectares of maize and corn farms on Guadalcanal to supply raw materials for domestic feed production.
Other initiatives include the establishment of the Solomon Islands’ first commercial feed mill for poultry and piggery, the creation of a parent flock breeding centre to locally produce fertile eggs, and the distribution of 20,000 birds to 20 selected farmers this year, along with feed and essential farm equipment.
Major infrastructure investments are also underway, including a World Bank-funded slaughterhouse nearing completion at KGVI Farm.
Additional plans include the acquisition of animal transport trucks and a mobile slaughter unit to support farmers operating outside Honiara.
Hon. Wasi said the initiatives are expected to significantly increase domestic egg and poultry production, with a target to reduce retail prices to SBD 25 per packet of eggs and SBD 50 per whole chicken by the end of this year or early next year.
He added that increased local production would enable the government to impose higher taxes on imported poultry products and, eventually, introduce import restrictions.
The strategy also encourages the formation of poultry cooperatives to improve organisation, marketing, and long-term sustainability.
During the consultation, farmers shared experiences managing flocks ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 birds.
Common challenges raised included; high feed costs, limited access to day-old chicks, inadequate veterinary services, poor farm infrastructure, and high bird mortality rates.
Farmers also expressed concern about the impact of imported poultry products on local production and incomes.
The Minister stressed that future government support would prioritise committed farmers who demonstrate accountability and the ability to maintain a reliable supply.
He also urged all past recipients of Solomon Islands Government support to submit reports detailing how previous funds were utilised.
“Those who wish to be considered for further funding must first account for how previous assistance was used. Without these reports, MALD will not consider additional support,” he said.
MALD Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu assured farmers that their concerns have been incorporated into the National Poultry Strategy 2026–2028, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to collaboration, accountability, and sustained engagement with farmers.
MALD said these measures are central to building a resilient, affordable, and sustainable poultry industry that strengthens food security and livelihoods across the Solomon Islands.
– MALD Press
