THE Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) plans to introduce locally made fruit snacks onboard Solomon Airlines flights.
Thats according to MAL Permanent Secretary Dr Samson Viulu.
In an interview, he said MAL had been discussing this idea with the Chairman of the Solomon Airlines Board Frank Wickham and he has agreed on the idea.
Dr Viulu said MAL wants to introduce dried mango fruits, dried pineapple fruits and dried papaya fruits.
“So now MAL is using some machines to find the best possible process at the most affordable cost.
“Because we have the most expensive electricity compared to other countries and so we want to find ways to do this in a most affordable cost,” Dr Viulu said.
He said once they come up with the best fit approach, they will introduce them to private sectors to commercially produce and Solomon Airlines can buy them from the private sectors.
Dr Viulu said this is the first step and it is expected to start next year, adding that they have already worked on a lot on samples in their lab.
“We are improving in terms of Airlines services as we have two big planes, but we do not have our own local food inside.
“This just means that we do not have enough pride in our own planes because we do not have our own food for passengers to enjoy,” PS Viulu said.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
