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The Solomon Islands Rural Transformation (SIART) project, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), has successfully handover vital agricultural equipment to several Agribusiness Producer Organizations (ABPOs) across the provinces of Malaita, Makira, and Guadalcanal.
In a dedicated handover ceremony on Wednesday 11th June 2025 at the SIART project Office, MAL Headquarter at Point Cruz’s Lee Kwou Kween building, MAL/SIART distributed a range of essential farming machineries—including chainsaws, grasscutters, and tri-motor cycles—to empower rural farmers, boost productivity, and enhance sustainable agricultural practices.
Four recipient from Guadalcanal Agribusiness Producer Organizations were officially presented with their equipment during the ceremony:
- MK Farm Fresh Organic Farm – 2 Chainsaws
- CAP Family Enterprise – 5 Chainsaws, 5 Grasscutters
- Atunoda Family Farmer Association – 2 Chainsaws, 4 Grasscutters
- RP Family Enterprise – 1 Tri-motor Cycle
These distributions form part of a wider investment across the three provinces, summarized as follows:
| Province | ABPOs | Chainsaws | Grasscutters | Tri-motor Cycles |
| Malaita | 14 | 58 | 51 | 2 |
| Makira | 12 | 10 | 12 | 5 |
| Guadalcanal | 18 | 12 | 9 | 4 |
Total Investment: SBD $827,757.19
- Chainsaws: SBD $276,557.19
- Grasscutters: SBD $309,200.00
- Tri-motor Cycles: SBD $242,000.00
Speaking at the event, the MAL/SIART Project Manager William Okekini, highlighted the significance of the tools, reminding recipients that the equipment represents a major investment in rural agriculture.
“These machines are not just tools—they are catalysts for change. We urge all beneficiaries to ensure their proper use, care, and maintenance to realize the long-term benefits for their farms and communities.”
Representatives from the ABPOs who spoke during the ceremony expressed heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging that this was the first time they had received such substantial support from the Ministry. They emphasized that the machinery would transform their daily operations by increasing efficiency, reducing manual labor, and enhancing output.
“This support is not just a handout—it’s a foundation for growth,” said one ABPO representative. “With this equipment, we can finally scale up our farming efforts and invest in a more secure and sustainable future.”
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to uphold the principles of responsible equipment use and continued collaboration to drive forward the shared vision of rural transformation in the Solomon Islands.
The MAL/SIART project is funded by the World Bank group
