Agro National Corporation (AgroNat) has announced five islands have expressed interest in implementing the community farming programme.
Managing Director of AgroNat Haroon Rasheed said community farming will be introduced in islands with huge land areas. He said AgroNat will identify 100,000 acres in islands and prepare the sites. AgroNat will establish technology-assisted farming methods which include vertical farming and irrigation systems, he added.
AgroNat has already selected five islands for the project including Isdhoo in Laamu Atoll, Manadhoo and Maafaru in Noonu Atoll, Thoddoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, and Kolhufushi in Meemu Atoll. AgroNat has signed agreements with three of the islands to commence the community farming programme.
AgroNat was established by the government to market agricultural produce from local farms and provide a better income for farmers. The corporation has established contracts with farmers for various different types of fruits and vegetables. AgroNat is providing technical and financial assistance to local farmers to produce these items, and helping them to market their produce.