The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Mariyam Mariya has announced that a new specialised agricultural value-addition facility in Goidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, will begin operations later this year.
Mariyam Mariya made the remarks during a press briefing at the President’s Office, outlining the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector.
She said the administration is prioritising food security, sustainable farming, and animal welfare, with a focus on building a modern agricultural system capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.
The Goidhoo facility is being developed under a regional project titled “Livelihood Enhancement of Small Farmers in SAARC Region through Small Agro-Business Focusing on Value Chain Development.”
The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Government of Japan.
Construction of the facility has been completed, and the procurement of specialised machinery is now under way. The minister said production of value-added agricultural goods is expected to begin once the equipment is installed.
According to the ministry, the centre will process and package local produce, enabling Maldivian agricultural products to compete more effectively in international markets.
Officials say the project will also help secure fairer prices for farmers in Goidhoo, creating new income opportunities for the island’s agricultural community.
Goidhoo is home to the country’s first farmers certified under the Maldives Good Agricultural Practices scheme — a national standard designed to strengthen food security, promote sustainable farming, and ensure locally grown food is safe and environmentally responsible.