Cattle farmers in Makira/Ulawa Province are in desperate need of agricultural assistance to improve cattle and pig breeds in the province to increase returns for small holder farmers.
This was highlighted by a promising young entrepreneur from Makira, Jack Martin in an interview with this paper last week.
He said, this has prompted him to establish a breeding farm for cattle and pig husbandry.
Speaking to the Solomon Star Mr Martin said, he has taken the initial steps without any external assistance to establish his cattle and pig farm.
“It’s been a daily struggle to get the farm to where it is now but there is still a long way to go.
“The need for materials, different breeds of animals, expertise are but the few of the critical things needed to expand the farm.
“I hope to extend it to a level where I can effectively support other small holder farmers and provide meat for the local market,” he added.
Despite the struggles and operating a small farm, Mr Martin already supplied young bulls to some farmers in Makira.
According to the local farmer, the potential for Solomon Islands to produce quality meat for the local and overseas market is enormous and it can only be achieved if agricultural assistance is available to farmers in the Province.
“There are genuine farmers out there that needed just the right kind of assistance to get this industry to new level.
“It is a mammoth task but it is possible with the right resources and expertise, the farmer told this paper.
Meanwhile, in the long term he believes that if the current trends are improved and government assistance is forth coming, Makira/Ulawa Province will be sustainably producing quality beef, pork and poultry products.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
