Over 7000 seedlings were handed over by the Trade Commissioner within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Mr. Joseph Ma’ahanua to the SASA community in Auruligo , on Tuesday.

The donation of seedlings of cash crops to disadvantaged rural communities, is an ongoing project by Solomon Islands Tobacco Company.

These farmers supply the central markets and their livelihoods depend on the income generated from these cash crops.

 During his Speech at the occasion, the Trade Commissioner acknowledged the efforts of SITCO to help the rural farmers.

The Trade Commissioner acknowledged that SITCo produces a product that has health implications and remains a legal choice for informed adults only.

He further stated that Government has limited resources and encourages such social partnership and corporate responsibility initiatives to allow remote communities access economic empowerment opportunities. “This will help rural farmers and families empower themselves to cater for some of their domestic needs.”

The Trade Commissioner added that such projects provide the necessary tools to kickstart initiatives for communities and individuals to improve their lives and increase future earnings potential.  

Project Harvester does not only hand out the seedlings but will also provide technical training to local farmers and recipients of the project.

ENDS /////

PR Supplied by SITCO PR