Gov’t Launches Initiative to Boost Farmers’ Produce Exports and Reduce Import Dependency

The Maldivian government has launched a series of initiatives aimed at promoting the export of locally grown produce and reducing the reliance on imported food. 

The move is intended to make locally produced fruits and vegetables more affordable, both for domestic consumers and international markets.

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A key objective of the government’s plan is to enhance the availability of homegrown produce in Maldivian markets, particularly in the capital, Malé. Currently, the majority of fruits and vegetables are imported, resulting in higher costs for consumers. 

Despite the cultivation of various crops across the islands, farmers face logistical challenges in transporting their produce to urban centres, contributing to the price disparity.

In response, the government has initiated discussions between the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation to explore solutions for improving market access. One proposal under review is the use of air cargo to expedite the transportation of farmers’ goods.

Commenting on the issue, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Aishath Rameela, acknowledged that while air transport could improve access, it alone would not fully solve the problem. 

She highlighted the additional costs associated with transporting produce from remote islands to the designated air cargo hubs. Dr Rameela stressed the importance of ongoing discussions with various stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and sustainable solution.

The government’s broader aim is to reduce the cost of locally produced goods by addressing transportation inefficiencies. This, in turn, is expected to benefit both consumers and farmers by lowering prices and boosting profitability. Efforts to make transportation more affordable and efficient are underway, with consultations continuing between relevant parties.

In addition, the government is working to reduce the country’s food imports by promoting domestic agriculture. As part of these efforts, 200 hectares of land in Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) have been allocated for agricultural use, with plans to cultivate crops that are currently imported. 

The government is also expanding support for local farmers through increased access to agricultural loans, technical assistance, and other resources aimed at fostering interest in farming.