Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilaua has highlighted the critical role of agriculture and land in the province’s development.
He was speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for a new office complex for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), as well as a new Malaita Customary Land Recording Office building in Auki last week.
Mr Asilaua said the two projects are closely linked.
“One strengthens the productivity of our land, while the other secures the ownership and identity of our land. Land is our identity. Agriculture is our livelihood.
“Together, they represent the very heart of Malaita,” he said.
He explained the establishment of these offices in Auki is not merely about buildings, it is about bringing essential government services closer to the people, improving accessibility, and unlocking the full potential of our land and resources.”Asilaua said
He stressed that agriculture remains central to life in Malaita.
“Agriculture in Malaita is not just an economic activity; it is the backbone of our survival and the foundation of our communities.
It supports our families, sustains livelihoods, and drives our rural economy,” he said.
“From cocoa and coconut to root crops and livestock, agriculture remains the primary source of income for the majority of our people.
“However, farmers continue to face real challenges, including limited access to extension services, inadequate infrastructure, poor market linkages, and the growing impacts of climate change.”
Mr Asilaua said the new Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock office will play a vital role in addressing these challenges.
“It will serve as a centre of knowledge and innovation, delivering modern and climate-resilient farming practices.
It will also act as a hub to coordinate service delivery, reaching rural and remote communities.”
He added that the facility would help empower women and youth, who are key drivers of the sector’s future.
He further added that the facilities will bridge the gap between national policy and rural implementation, ensuring that government support reaches the grassroots level.
However, he stressed that infrastructure alone is not enough.
“We must continue to invest in rural roads, storage, processing facilities, irrigation systems, and livestock development.
“We must strengthen farmers’ cooperatives, improve value chains, and promote agribusiness opportunities,” Mr Asilaua said
The agriculture office building is funded by the World Bank and is being constructed by JQY Enterprise Limited.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, alongside Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Nestor Giro, Minister for Lands and Housing Jamie Vokia, West Kwaio MP Claudius Te’efi, Minister for Finance Rexon Ramofafia, and Minister for Provincial Government Rolland Seleso, along with senior officials from both the national and provincial governments and representatives from the World Bank.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
Caption:
From right to left: Malaita Province Secretary Erick George; Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua; Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey Stanley Waleanisia; and Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Rolland Seleso.
