STAFF of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) have been challenged to pull up their socks and work hard to help contribute strengthen the economy.
Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Ethel Frances made the call early this week during a 2019 Senior Extension staff conference at the SIBC conference room in Honiara.
Ms Frances said the agriculture and livestock sectors are the backbone of the economy of this country.
However, she said this sector has been weak in its contribution to support the economy of the country.
She highlighted there have been millions of dollars being pumped by the government to invest in agriculture and livestock to sustain the economy.
“But are we doing it right?” Ms Frances questioned.
Ms Frances also blamed the increasing rate of non-communicable disease (NCD) in the country due poor performance by the agriculture sector.
“NCD could be eradicated if the agriculture and livestock sector work hard to bring to the communities and the nation the healthy food from the farms,” he said.
Ms Frances said $700 million has been given for poultry over the past years yet the country is still importing chickens from overseas.
She said this is an example that agriculture and livestock sectors need to pull up their socks.
Therefore the PS encourages her staff in Honiara and in the provinces who are attending the workshop this week to step up and conduct new approaches in doing things.
“We must adhere to new approaches in doing things for the better economy of Solomon Islands.
“Focus in improving life because when you improve life you also contribute to improve economy,” she said.
Ms. Frances is optimistic that after her staff completes the five-day workshop they will work hard to improve the agriculture sector in the country.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
