FARMERS ASSOCIATION QUESTIONED GOV’T POLICY ON AGRICULTURE

A cocoa plantation in Solomon Islands. Photo credit: pacificgrowers.net

The West Kwara’ae Farmers Association described channeling the coconut and cocoa rehabilitation project through the Ministry of Agriculture as a major concern for farmers.

Chair of the Association Willie Kiri questioned why the national government changed its policy while farmers contribute more to the country’s economy.

“Why does it has to be this way? On what grounds and why does the government have to change this policy and put the subsidy back to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock because we see that the cocoa farmers should be the one who should benefit as they are the contributors to the country’s economy. Why didn’t the government recognise them?”