THE cattle imported from Vanuatu by Solomon Islands Government in 2012 have yet to make a positive impact on the country’s economy.
The cattle were imported and distributed to some provinces as part of a government initiative aimed at revitalising the country’s cattle industry.
However, local cattle farmer in Malaita, Thomas Maek, who was amongs farmers who did not benefit from the cattle distribution, said 12 years have passed since the cattle arrived in Malaita, but there is nothing to show for the initiative.
He expressed concern that farmers were expecting a reliable beef market to be set up after the distribution of the cattle but nothing as such eventuated.
Mr Maek said despite the passage of time, he has yet to see any of the farmers in Malaita who benefitted from the cattle distribution make a positive impact in the beef market.
In Malaita Province, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has bred the imported cattle at the Gonokukufo Cattle Farm in West Kwaio for distribution to identified cattle farmers.
It is understood that each farmer received between three and five cattle.
During the deliberation on the 2025 Budget at the Committee stage, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale questioned the MAL Minister about the current status of the imported cattle from Vanuatu.
In response, Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi confirmed that all cattle imported by the government from Vanuatu had been distributed to farmers.
Reports indicate that a total of 439 heads of cattle were shipped to Gounakuku as part of the government initiative to reintroduce cattle farming in the country.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
