In a major step toward modernizing the nation’s primary industry, the Solomon Islands Government and the World Bank officially broke ground on a new state-of-the-art agriculture office in Auki, Malaita Province, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The SBD$17.9 million (approx. USD 2.1 million) facility is a flagship project under the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) initiative. Once completed, the two-story building will serve as the primary nerve center for agricultural innovation, service delivery, and market coordination across the region.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele was guest at the ceremony, including Premier of Malaita Province, Elijah Asilaua, representative of the World Bank, Mr. Allan Tobalbal, contractor representatives, local farmers and communities in and around Auki.
A Strategic Investment in the “Productive Sector”
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, the guest of honor at the ceremony, framed the project as a cornerstone of the Government of National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) policy for economic reform.
“This will serve as a central hub for agriculture operations in Malaita Province. It reflects our strong commitment to strengthening agricultural infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and supporting farmers and agribusinesses across the Solomon Islands in line with our focus on the productive sector.” — Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele
The Prime Minister emphasized that the facility represents more than just physical infrastructure; it is a “symbol of progress” where national policies are converted into tangible local action.
He acknowledges the partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Malaita Provincial Government, and the World Bank in making this project possible for Malaita Province.
“Such collaboration is essential to ensuring that development initiatives are effectively implemented and deliver lasting benefits to our people.
“The construction of this office is more than just an infrastructure, it is a symbol of progress, opportunity, and our shared vision for a stronger agriculture sector. It will be a place where policies are translated into action, where farmers access vital services, and where innovation and coordination drive growth,” Prime Minister Manele, added.
Strengthening the Provincial Economy
Agriculture remains the fundamental pillar of the Solomon Islands’ economy, providing food security and livelihoods for the majority of the population. Premier of Malaita Province, Hon. Elijah Asilaua, noted that the new facility would bridge the gap between government services and rural farmers.
“Agriculture as we know, is the backbone of our economy. It provides livelihoods for the majority of our people, ensures food security, and with this new office Malaita Province looks forward to the [growth] of the sector in the province and contribute to national economic growth.” — Premier Elijah Asilaua
The SIART Project: A Regional Approach
The construction in Auki is part of a broader regional strategy implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) with World Bank support. The SIART Project’s core objectives are to increase production and improve market access in Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira/Ulawa.
Key Project Features:
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ABPO Support: The facility will empower Agriculture Business Producer Organizations (ABPOs) by providing a space for coordination and technical training.
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National Reach: A similar office is currently under construction in Kirakira, Makira/Ulawa Province, ensuring that rural communities across multiple provinces gain better access to agricultural experts.
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Crisis Response: The project framework also includes mechanisms for a prompt and effective response in the event of an eligible crisis or emergency.
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Nestor Ghiro, reaffirmed that this collaboration is vital for improving rural livelihoods.
“Through this collaboration, we are working together to ensure that farmers are better supported, markets are strengthened, and livelihoods are improved,” Ghiro stated.
A Commitment to Staff and Farmers
Beyond the architectural impact, SIART Project Manager Mr. William Okekini highlighted the operational improvements the new facility will bring. He noted that the project is as much about the people working within the ministry as it is about the farmers they serve.
“These new office facilities reflect our shared commitment to improving the working environment for our staff and to ensuring that agricultural services are more accessible and responsive to the needs of our rural farmers and communities,” — Mr. William Okekini, SIART Project Manager
Mr. Okekini added that Malaita is not the only province benefiting from this wave of modernization. A similar office is currently under construction in Kirakira, Makira/Ulawa Province, and he expressed optimism for the “timely completion of these two provincial offices that will greatly benefit our people”.
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