A special forum titled “The Future of Farming” has been held in Meedhoo, Addu City, to mark World Food Day and National Farmers’ Day.
The forum was officially inaugurated by Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam. Farmers from Meedhoo, students from Seenu Atoll School and members of the public attended the event.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Shiyam highlighted Meedhoo’s long history of farming and commended local farmers for their valuable efforts to modernise agricultural practices.
He said the future of agriculture in the Maldives rests in the hands of young people, stressing that practical experience in the sector is just as important as knowledge gained from books.
“Agriculture must be advanced in the future, and you students are the ones who will take it forward. Farming in the Maldives is very different from that in other countries. The Maldives is also among the countries most vulnerable to climate change,” the minister said.
During the forum, students from S. Atoll School presented innovative agricultural products and shared their ideas on the sector through presentations. They also shared information about their projects with PSM News.
The forum also featured a panel discussion on various aspects of the agricultural industry. Participants exchanged views on the challenges facing the sector and key measures that could be taken to further develop and advance agriculture in the Maldives.
In addition, the minister attended the opening ceremony of an orientation workshop for the *Vilunveshi School Garden Programme*, held at Addu Canareef Resort Maldives under the “Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security” project.
The programme aims to strengthen students’ awareness of climate change, improve food security and encourage sustainable food production by promoting gardening and agricultural activities in schools.