Malé, Maldives – The Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture on Thursday launched a five-year agricultural plan called “Maldives Agribusiness Programme (MAP)” targeted at the northern atolls.
The main objective is to introduce environmentally friendly and sustainable farming methods to farmers using modern agricultural resources. The programme is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
This comes at a time when local farmers are criticizing Agro National Corporation for its lack of cooperation in providing sustainable agricultural systems powered by solar energy for irrigation, lights and surveillance purposes. Farmers are also raising concerns about their products not reaching consumers.
The programme is targeted to islands of North Thiladhunmathi Atoll, South Thiladhummathi Atoll and North Miladhummadulu Atoll. Main work will be carried out and assistance will be provided to several islands in the north of the Maldives.
Ministry signed an MOU with Agro National Corporation on May 25, 2022. Under the agreement, the MAP project will provide sustainable farming facilities at affordable prices to farmers in 26 islands of three northern atolls with supporting climate-resilient agriculture systems and innovative technology for farmers in the Maldives. In addition, the Ministry and Agro National Corporation will also conduct training programmes for farmers.
