Engaging more youth in the agricultural sector is essential for sustainable and modern development, stated Dr Maryam Mariya, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare. She delivered these remarks during the opening ceremony of the Conference on Climate Resilient Agriculture for Food Security.
The conference, jointly organised by the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), is held from 3 to 4 February. Its primary aim is to enhance the nation's resilience to climate change through the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices, thereby ensuring a stable food supply. The event also facilitates academic discussions focused on identifying and addressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector, according to the organisers.
In her address, Minister Mariya outlined the administration's extensive efforts to advance the agricultural sector. She identified several obstacles, particularly in the outer islands, including a lack of technical knowledge and information necessary for development. Additional challenges, according to the minister, involve securing essential resources, obtaining financial support, transporting produce, and accessing markets.
"The agricultural sector contributes 1.2% to the country's GDP," stated Minister Mariya. "While there are 7,600 registered farmers in the country, only 6.9% of them are youth. Additionally, 90% of the country's food is imported. Therefore, to ensure the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, substantial efforts are required, including attracting more youth to this field."
The conference brings together officials from MNU and IOFS, alongside technical experts and students specialising in agriculture and farming. Organisers indicated that the research papers and discussions from the conference will be shared with policymakers in relevant government agencies. The opening ceremony was also attended by Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism and Environment, and Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.
Collaboration with MNU is deemed essential by the administration to achieve its agricultural sector development goals. Currently, MNU conducts advanced-level studies in agriculture and farming and plans to introduce diploma and degree-level courses, along with establishing a dedicated faculty for agricultural studies.