State Trading Organisation (STO)’s Agricentre has introduced the produce of 250 farmers to the market last year.
STO Agricentre was established in April 2021, with the aim of providing Maldivian farmers the full benefit from the sale of their products, and to reduce agricultural imports and supply resorts with local products.
The STO Agricentre currently purchases 17 different types of items from farmers, including watermelon, capsicum, tomato, sweet potato, cucumber, melon, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, brinjal, pumpkin and chilli.
STO revealed Agricentre has facilitated in marketing 35,028.43kg of produce from 250 farmers which totals to USD5,600. The farmers will receive the payment within three days after Agricentre purchase the produce, added STO.
One of the most important purpose of opening a centre for agricultural products under the name of Agricentre is to reduce imports of agricultural commodities and expand food security, noted STO. In efforts to further expand the services, an outlet has been opened in Thoddoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll. In addition, the produce is being sold to resorts through the centre.
In addition, the Agricentre is selling the produce from the farmers wholesale to businesses which is expected to expand the farming industry and allow sustainable farming.