PS OF MAL LAUNCHES POULTRY FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION

The formation and launching of the Solomon Poultry Farmers Association (SPFA) yesterday further strengthens government’s policy on import substitution.

In launching the association, Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) Ms. Ethel Tebengi Frances said government is committed to equip and develop farmers to a stage where they can adequately and sustainably supply chicken throughout the country.

PS Frances added that as a testament of government’s assistance to farmers last year it has provided a funding of SBD$4.6m for farmers nationally and of this funding, the poultry farmers were also benefiting from it.

“That commitment will continue,” the PS reiterated.

PS Frances urged farmers to think of themselves as businessmen, she added that the poultry farming equally demands time and effort to see it grow.

The PS MALD reiterated that the government through her ministry is committed to the endeavor to build the capacity of poultry farmers to deliver sustainable supply of chicken for Honiara and the entire country.

After the launching of the Solomon Poultry Farmers Association (SPFA), a site visit was made to a chicken hatchery at Ranadi industrial area.

The chicken hatchery is owned and operated by Jimson Difeni, a local poultry farmer whose business is also assisted by the government.

Mr. Difeni displayed the storage area of eggs, the incubation house and the actual hatchery machine that produces the chicks.

Mr. Difeni not only supply chicks to Honiara and Guadalcanal based farmers, the businessman also sends the chicks to farmers in the Provinces.

As part of the launching of the SPFA, the association members are fortunate to receive a tray of chicks each supplied by Mr. Difeni.

The Association is boosted with more than 100 members most of whom are living in the outskirts of Honiara and on Guadalcanal Province.