Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has begun to develop a business platform to connect farmers and traders.
The platform is being developed under the Maldives Agribusiness Programme (MAP) implemented by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the government of the Maldives. It is a five-year programme to develop the agricultural industry.
The programme aims to introduce farmers to environmentally friendly and sustainable farming methods using modern technology. The programme targets 26 islands in the southern and northern regions of the country. The programme also aims to connect farmers and traders and establish sustainable business relationships.
The fisheries ministry said that a registry of agricultural entrepreneurs will be established under the programme. In the light of the registry, farmers and traders will be connected and a platform will be established for business transactions to facilitate the availability of quality agricultural products in the market at reasonable prices. Individuals who wish to register in this database are welcome to submit registration forms, according to the ministry.
The biggest obstacle to the development of agriculture in the Maldives has long been the problems faced in selling the produce of farmers at reasonable prices.