Maldives Targets 50% Rise in Banana Production to Cut Imports

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has launched a nationwide programme aimed at increasing banana production in the Maldives by 50 percent over the next three years, as part of efforts to strengthen local food security and reduce dependency on imports.

The ministry said banana imports have been climbing annually, raising concerns over the country’s growing reliance on foreign supply. With this initiative, the government is targeting a 25 percent reduction in imports by 2028 while ramping up domestic cultivation.

Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) across the country are being invited to participate in the programme. Committees interested in joining must submit a detailed proposal that includes a work schedule, information on suitable land areas to plant 500 banana trees along with size and mapped details, and a comprehensive plantation management plan.

The ministry will provide funding support for selected projects and supply fertiliser and technical assistance to ensure sustainable cultivation. Special residential areas will also be designated for banana farming under the programme.

In addition, the tissue culture laboratory at the National Laboratory Facility in Fuvahmulah will produce banana seedlings, which will be distributed to farmers at low cost to encourage wider participation.

The ministry has set a deadline of 2 p.m. on the 25th of this month for WDCs to submit their applications, underscoring the urgency of the initiative as the Maldives moves to scale up its agricultural capacity and reduce reliance on imported produce.