President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the administration has increased the amount of the agricultural loan offered to farmers to USD129,000 to address their concerns and grievances. He made the remarks while speaking at the official ceremony held in Kaashidhoo, Kaafu Atoll, to commemorate National Farmers’ Day and World Food Day 2022.
At the ceremony, President Solih said the biggest obstacles to agricultural development are space constraints and the lack of financing available for farmers. The president highlighted that the amendments to the Decentralisation Act had empowered local councils, giving them jurisdiction over allocating land plots on their respective islands. He called on local councils to facilitate long-term agricultural investments on the islands by allotting land plots to farmers. He also emphasised the role of the Ministry of Economic Development in agricultural development and noted the USD129,000 in loans made available to farmers. He added the administration will continue to encourage private agrarian investments.
Furthermore, President Solih spoke about the initiatives to ensure food security in the Maldives and said efforts were underway to produce crops that are easily grown locally. He said 17 crops have been identified so far and that the Agro National Corporation (AgroNat) will oversee the purchasing process and ensure that the product reaches the markets. He noted that import duties on produce that is easily grown in the Maldives should be raised.
Additionally, President Solih underscored the possibility that unhealthy food consumption contributes to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in society, and said both developed and developing countries intend to transition to organic farming. He elaborated on the importance of transitioning to organic farming, saying that local farmers must consider the benefits of organic farming, even if it cannot be accomplished overnight. He then discussed the impact on Sri Lankan farmers as a result of the sudden shift to organic farming. He also said that Kaashidhoo had never had the opportunity to celebrate National Farmer’s Day on a national scale despite its long farming history.
At the ceremony, President Solih presented commemorative plaques to the nine recipients who had provided outstanding services to the agricultural field. Following the event, he attended a special banquet hosted to mark National Farmer's Day and World Food Day.