Statement from the Director

I am pleased to present the Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) for the year 2018. This report provides information on the progress of the implementation of the Agriculture Sector Policy priorities and major sub sectoral strategy framework as expressed in the three (3) pillars of the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2030 matrix. It demonstrates our achievements and continued commitment to increase agricultural food and cash crops of Vanuatu that is profitably managed, contributing to sustainable development for the wellbeing of all people of Vanuatu.

The year 2018 has been a challenging year for DARD. Some important institutional and administrative aspects being pursued to better set the Department on a more strategic position have yet to be finalized. On the institutional front, a number of activities where affected in terms of implementation in particular productive islands of Ambae and Ambrym that was hit by the volcanic Ash fall eruption.  The increasingly uncertain extreme climate variability has continuously causing threats to our traditional farming practices, erosion of local genetic planting materials and crop varieties associated with high infestation of pests and diseases damages to mainly the economical crops.

Despite the challenges of managing these developments, 2018 was also a year for celebrating key achievements that was accomplished by the Department and its partners. This includes the establishment of the New Agriculture Legislation that is of paramount importance which provides the legal framework empowering and supporting the work carried out by the Department; the hosting of the first ever National Agriculture Festival in Sanma Province; the fast growth rate of the National Kava replanting program initiatives and the Kava forum platform; Agri-Tourism initiatives involving Potato, Onion and carrot planting; coconut replanting program initiatives; support to species, citrus, cocoa and coffee farmers through training initiatives from nursery establishment to plantation management practices; outreaching support to root vegetables farmers to increase their productivity through the use of  tractors and agricultural inputs;   setup of food basket on Maewo for the Ambae evacuees; world food day educational programs; farmers field day and distributions of seeds and quality planting materials; and the renovation of the Isganel Agriculture Station, Tafea Province.

Furthermore, this Annual Report serves as a monitoring mechanism that provides information that we believe will inform various stakeholders and donor partners on the reforms undertaken and the progress made to achieve national development objectives.

I would like to emphasize that, during the upcoming year; the Department will maintain its commitment not only to implement the Government policies but also to create a diverse partnership with relevant stakeholders; strengthen its agricultural extension services to the rural communities including hosting of the first ever Agricultural Extension forum; enforcement of the New Agriculture Legislation; conservation and improvement of plant genetic materials through research and establishment of a new Tissue Culture Laboratory; profiling of farmers group and development of production standards; adoption of sustainable climate resilient innovative agricultural farming systems; and aiming for a high performing institution setup and compliance that is more creative, proactive and as a leading department to the rural economy.

With all of the above achievements, may i finally acknowledged the Vanuatu Government through the Public Service Commission (PSC) in supporting the department human resource capability to deliver its services; the financial contributions of the national and regional development partners supported under various projects implemented by the department; the Management and staff of the department and all farmers throughout Vanuatu who has demonstrates the commitments in participating at implementing the Department policy, strategies and plan priorities each year.

 It is my hope that year after year Agriculture sector will be the leading domestic and foreign direct investment option and be the most attractive national employer.

"Long Live Vanuatu Climate Smart Agriculture"