Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has stated preparations are being made to begin prawn farming in the Maldives. He made the statement at the agreement signing ceremony to build a multi-species hatchery in Maanaagalaa, Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Hassan highlighted the importance of marine life for Maldivian culture and the economy and said popular seafood products should be grown in the country. As such, he said agricultural islands can be leased for aquaculture, especially for prawn farming. He said the ministry has placed a high priority on developing prawn cultures and he expects the necessary guidelines to be formulated and islands to be open for bidding soon.
The fisheries ministry stated the project to develop prawn cultures will increase revenue and provide job opportunities, as part of the efforts to develop aquaculture in the Maldives. The project is being funded by the World Bank under the ministry’s sustainable fisheries resource development project. The ministry added that training programmes are being conducted for prawn farming.