Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has stated that three new boats will be procured for fish processing work in the southern region of the Maldives.
Speaking at the Parliament of the Maldives, Minister Hassan said that a survey has been completed to determine how much fish processing capacity is needed in the southern region and that Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) is now working to purchase three new boats. He assured that a permanent solution will be implemented to increase the fish processing capacity before the start of the peak season during September and October.
Furthermore, Minister Hassan noted the complaints from fishermen regarding the constraints in capacity during the peak season and said that the government is working to upgrade MIFCO facilities. As such, he said the government is evaluating the proposals to upgrade the Felivaru Fisheries Complex.
The upgrade of cold storage facilities in Felivaru is carried out under the aid of the EXIM Bank of India. The scope of the project involves establishing a 4,000t cold storage, along with a 200t brine freezing facility in Felivaru. The project also involves developing a refrigerated seawater facility and other related equipment and facilities.