Government has initiated a financial scheme of USD 972,000 to provide financial assistance to farmers. This agreement, co-signed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in collaboration with the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC), is part of the 'Maldives Agri Business Programme' (MAP). The MAP involves joint efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
State Minister Hussain Shaam signed the agreement on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, while State Minister Mariyam Wishama signed on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and Managing Director Aishath Fifsheen signed on behalf of SDFC.
State Minister Mariyam Wishama affirmed that the MAP is specifically intended for 26 islands, including Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Noonu Atoll, where activities are currently in progress. The grants will be disbursed to farmers interested in establishing hydroponic systems within their greenhouses.
Farmers participating in the MAP will receive financial aid, training, and information related to agriculture. Workshop programmes are underway in 12 islands to train farmers in producing cucumbers and melons in cocoa peats using established greenhouses. The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare encourages farmers to adopt advanced technology and equipment that aligns with climate-smart and sustainable farming practices.
The project, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to expand the scale of agricultural operations and encourage youth to pursue careers in agriculture-related fields.