IN an inspiring initiative to promote sustainable development and uplift local communities, the Solomon Islands Tobacco Company (SITCo) has joined hands with the Gaobata Farmers Association (GFA) to bolster food security, generate income and improve livelihoods.
A handing over ceremony was held at GGPOL 1 where SITCo donated 50,000 vegetable seedlings to Gaobata Farmers Association.
Chairman of Gaobata Farmers Association David Nunuvia acknowledged SITCo for the great support, saying that the seedling will help his members fulfill their dreams in terms of increasing production and improving income-generation.
He also acknowledged the supporting partners, Kastom Garden and Sape Farm for making farmers’ dreams come true.
“This is a huge investment and we acknowledge all of the partners for your great support,” Mr Nunuvia said.
Dr Pual Bosawai of SAPE Farm shared similar sentiments, saying that people of Gaobata have more than 5000 hactares of land and the donation was truly a blessing for the farmers.
He acknowledged SITCo and Kastom Garden for the partnership.
“I truly believe Solomon Islands’ future is on agriculture and this partnership sets a good example for others to follow,” Dr Pual said.
SITCo’s Margaret Eleanor Aitorea explained that the project falls under the company’s Environment and Social Governance Programme.
She said two projects were established under SITCo’s Environment and Social Governance Programme – They are Project Splash (Water Projects) and Project Harvest which focus on supporting rural farmers.
Ms Aitorea explained that five water supply projects are implemented in Choiseul and Malaita province under Project Splash and one project is currently on the roll in Guadalcanal under Project Harvest.
“At the heart of this partnership lies the provision of vegetable seedlings to the Gaobata Farmers Association.
“SITCo believes that the seedlings will help farmers improve their productions and generate more income during the Pacific Games,” she said.
Ms Aitorea acknowledged SITCo’s longtime partners Sape Farm and Kastom Garden for providing the seedlings to the farmers.
She said Project Harvest hopes to provide more donations to farmers, especially in Guadalcanal, as they are the main suppliers of fresh vegetables and fruits to Honiara City.
“The overall goal of Project Harvest is to help rural communities flourish,” Ms Aitorea added.
SITCo’s General Manager Mark Filimontser said SITCo has donated more than 300,000 vegetable seedlings to farmers and the latest recipient is Gaobata Farmers Association which received 50,000 seedlings.
He said SITCo is trying to give quality social impact through the projects and partnership it has with communities.
Mr Filimontser acknowledged the partnership amongst SITCo, SAPE Farm and Gaobata Farmers Association.
“SITCo acknowledges this partnership and will continue to work closely with Gaobata Farmers Association to best reap the benefits of the project,” he said.
MPA of Gaobata Ward John Lee Saki said the donation was first of its kind and will go down in the history of his ward.
He said the seedlings were a huge blessing that would not only boost farmers production but the ability to contribute to the economic development of the country.
“Our population relies on agriculture as a main source of food and means of income generation. I would like to acknowledge SITCo for this innovative partnership.
“I hope this partnership will continue into the future,” Mr Saki added.
Solomon Islands, like many other nations, faces challenges related to food-security, poverty and economic instability.
In light of these challenges, the collaboration between the SITCo and GFA emerges as a beacon of hope.
These seedlings hold the potential to transform local agriculture by diversifying crops and enhancing agricultural productivity.
The introduction of high-yield vegetables will not only meet local demand but also presents an opportunity for surplus production beyond Pacific Games.
The collaboration fosters a sense of community resilience and empowerment beyond the immediate outcomes of increased food security and income generation.
The journey from vegetable seedlings to empowered livelihoods showcases the potential of synergy between the corporate sector and grassroots initiatives.
Solomon Islands Tobacco Company is one amongst many large businesses who suffered huge loss during the 2021 Honiara Riot, however it bounced back and is now giving back to communities.
– SICCI
