President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the government is working on developing an effective insurance programme for Maldivian farmers. He made the remark while speaking at the meeting held with the farming community in Kaashidhoo, Kaafu Atoll.
During the meeting, President Solih said the farmers had previously raised concerns about the risk of taking loans and then having to bear extremely heavy costs in the event of natural disasters, adding the Kashidhoo farmers had stressed the importance of having insurance plans in place to mitigate this risk. The president said the administration is currently working to develop an efficient insurance programme for farmers and that it is in discussions with Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives about developing a dedicated insurance programme for farmers, adding that they had even attended this year's agricultural exhibition. He also spoke about Kaashidhoo’s land-use plan, saying that the government's strategy is to use the island's natural land for agriculture while reclaiming territory on the west side of the island for tourism.
During the meeting, the island’s farming community relayed their concerns, including the difficulties of transporting fresh produce to Male’ City, maintaining a good market price in the capital city's local markets, the scarcity of adequate agricultural land, and the fiscal challenges they face as a result of undocumented expatriates working in the field. The farmers noted that the establishment of the Agro National Corporation (AgroNat) by the administration alleviated many of their concerns and that they were eager to move forward in accordance with the company's agricultural policies.
Before the meeting, President Solih toured the agricultural exhibition held at the Kaafu Atoll Education Centre in Kaashidhoo to mark this year’s Farmers’ Day and World Food Day. He also inquired about the agricultural produce and farming equipment showcased in the stalls of the exhibition. The exhibition, held from October 15–19, featured 19 participants.