Maldives Pledges Continued Backing for Agricultural Development

The Maldivian government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers and advancing sustainable agriculture, pledging to enhance access to resources, training, and market opportunities across the islands. The announcement was made during a recent agricultural policy forum organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, where officials discussed the next phase of the government’s efforts to boost food security and local production.

The ministry highlighted that agriculture remains a key pillar of the government’s economic diversification strategy. Several new initiatives are being planned to improve infrastructure, provide easier access to financing, and promote modern, climate-resilient farming practices.

Officials emphasized that the government will continue to work closely with island councils, cooperatives, and private farmers to develop local value chains that reduce reliance on imports. Efforts are also underway to expand hydroponic and organic farming methods, which have shown strong potential in previous pilot projects across multiple atolls.

In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare noted that consistent government backing has already resulted in increased productivity in several regions. “Our goal is to make farming not only a means of livelihood but a sustainable business model that contributes meaningfully to the economy,” he said.

The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women and youth in agribusiness, providing targeted grants and training programs to encourage participation. A key focus of upcoming projects will be developing distribution networks to ensure that farmers have direct access to markets and fair pricing for their produce.

With ongoing investments in agricultural infrastructure and research, the Maldives aims to build a more resilient and self-sufficient food system. The government’s policy direction reflects an understanding that food security and sustainability are vital to the nation’s long-term development and climate adaptation goals.