A FIVE days’ consultation on Agriculture development work plan for 2016 to 2017 has officially kicked off yesterday in Honiara.
The consultation brings together all heads of Agriculture development team players which include; directors from various departments within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Senior Extension Officers, Extension Officers, development partners and other stakeholders.
In his opening remarks Director of Extension Mr Michael Ho’ota said the consultation aims to review the 2015 development work plan and draw a new development work plan for 2016-2017.
He said theme given for this year’s consultation is “Smart Extension Service for tomorrow’s Agriculture Development Uncertainties”, adding, the new Extension development work plan will be drawn along the theme.
Mr Ho’ota said the environmental and socio-economic changes have destabilised agriculture extension service, as such, extension officers must be smarter in order to deliver much needed technical as well as material support to the most remote and disadvantaged members of our communities.
However, he said the consultation was held to give extension officers the opportunity to come up with most suitable and sustainable work plans to achieve their development ambitions despite the challenges.
Mr Ho’ota explained that all heads of Agriculture Extensions in all provinces including Honiara City will report back the progress and challenges faced in the implementation of the 2015 Agriculture Development Work plan.
“Lesson learnt from the 2015 Agriculture Development Work plan will give strength to draw the 2016 Agriculture Development Work Plan.
“It is also an opportunity for the head of extensions to be updated on Ministerial matters and directives,” he added.
Mr Ho’ota said possible solutions from the consultation will assist all departments and head of extension to effectively deliver agriculture service in the rural areas.
He further stated that the consultation outcome will also form as a basis to Extension Department’s development of 2017 budget bid.
Mr Ho’ota acknowledged all Extension Officers who have travelled from their respective provinces to Honiara to be part of the important consultation.
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