The re-opening of the eight Provincial Buying Centres is a clear demonstration of the Government’s desire to physically re-establish its presence in all Provinces through CEMA now trading as Solomon Commodities to increase economic activities in the rural sector particularly in the agriculture commodities and other related sectors of the national economy.
The program has started with the reopening of the Pakera buying centre in Makira Ulawa Province in May this year and gradually to all the remaining Provinces including Malu’u in Malaita, Gojoruru in Isabel, Tarakukure in Choiseul Bay, Lata, Tulagi at Hakama, Manekalaku and Tigoa.
The increase presence of these activities will inspire farmers to actively participate in key commodities farming such as coconut, cocoa, oil palm, and as well as other emerging commodities farming such as spices, noni, kava, and other complimentary economic activities in the rural communities and villages.
“We are also looking to improve the quality of production, value adding in manufacturing and processing of our local commodities for domestic and export markets, and ultimately to contribute towards an increase in gross domestic production by 10% per annum starting in 2022,” Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said last week.
The Prime Minister commended all stakeholders involved in the recapitalization and revitalization of CEMA including the CEMA Cabinet Sub-Committee and Technical Working Committee, the Ministries of Commerce, Agriculture and Infrastructure Development for continuous funding support towards the CEMA revitalization programs, the CEMA Board and Management, Exporters of copra, cocoa and other emerging commodities such as kava and noni and rural farmers for improving and increasing production of exports commodities.
Featured Photo: Farmers at the launching of Solomon Commodities branding. PHOTO SUPPLIED.
-GCU Press
