Local Rice Trial to Be Harvested Tomorrow, Paving Way for 2026 Expansion

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A trial plot of newly introduced rice varieties grown locally will be harvested tomorrow, marking a significant step toward expanding domestic rice production next year.

The initiative is led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) in partnership with the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS). The trial rice plots are located at the Dodo Creek (Foxwood) government farmland.

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) during the 2026 Budget hearing, Permanent Secretary of MAL, Dr. Samson Viulu, highlighted the progress of the rice project as one of the ministry’s positive developments heading into the 2026 Financial Year.

“We are doing some trials on rice and we are harvesting it tomorrow (Tuesday),” Dr. Viulu told the PAC.

He explained that the rice variety being tested has a three-month growing period. “It’s a three-months rice,” he said.

Dr. Viulu further revealed that the ministry is targeting large-scale commercial rice production next year, with plans for 10 hectares on Guadalcanal and 21 hectares in Malaita. He noted that the partnership with JAAS is strengthened by the sister-province relationship between Jiangsu and Malaita Province.

The push toward local rice production comes as the country spent $400 million last year on imported rice.