Kava growers throughout the country will not benefit under the component (2) two of the Rural Development Program (RDP) that was launched in Honiara on Friday.
RDP component 2 aims to enhance the rural livelihoods through diversification and commercialization of agriculture production.
Farmers can apply for funds to improve their agricultural activities.
RDP component 2 is a five years program to be implemented in all nine provinces throughout Solomon Islands.
It is funded by International Farm for Agriculture Development (IFAD), European Union (EU), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australian Government, Solomon Island Government (SIG) and was managed by the World Bank.
RDP Agriculture Component 2 manager Gabriel Hiele during the official launching said, that under this second component kava growers are not eligible to apply for the funds.
“RDP component 2 focuses mainly on agribusiness supporting rural famers to improve and increase their faming activities especially on agro-business.
“But for kava farmers , they are not eligible to apply for this program to get funds according to World Bank selection criteria and we have no right to explain this, only World Bank can explain why kava growers are excluded from this program,” Mr Hiele said.
Meanwhile Mr Hiele urged all farmers throughout the country to visit RDP office at the Ministry of Agriculture to find out more about the program offered under RDP component 2.
By DENVER NEWTER
