The government has held extensive discussions with a premier Türkiye University to aid its efforts in enhancing food security in the Maldives.
The discussions were held by Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya during a virtual meeting with Necdet Ünüvar, the Rector and team of Ankara University joined by the Maldives Ambassador to Turkey, Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef.
The discussions focused on enhancing food security in the Maldives through collaborative research, innovation, and training in crop and livestock production, as well as agro-processing, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare said.
Ankara University’s expertise in these areas is well-recognised along with its Veterinary Faculty, established in 1842, offers comprehensive programs in veterinary medicine and animal sciences. The faculty includes specialised departments such as Animal Breeding and Nutrition, aiming to advance research and education in animal health and production.
According to the Ministry this collaboration is expected to bolster the Maldives’ agricultural sector, focusing on sustainable practices and food security.
The government has recently launched Olhuhiyaa, a shelter set up to care for stray cats on the streets of Male’ City. The shelter was developed on a 5,000-square-foot plot in Hulhumale’. The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in November 2024.
The Olhuhiyaa facility is equipped with a quarantine area, a veterinary clinic and a laboratory, as well as a pharmacy stocked with medicines for cats and designated living spaces for animals.