December 24, 2024

Solomon Islands' cattle imported from Vanuatu yet to benefit country's economy

Cattle imported from Vanuatu by the Solomon Islands 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 Thomas Maek, 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 following the distribution of the cattle but nothing as such happened.

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 selected 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 indicated 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.

- Solomon Star