Business Centre Corporation (BCC) has decided to develop a farmer's market and processing facility in Thoddoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll.
The project is being conducted under the Project for Developing Sustainable Agricultural Economy (PDSAE), which is an initiative of the government of the Maldives in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), backed by financial assistance from the government of Japan.
Speaking to PSM News, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of BCC Samih Adam said that the main objective of developing a farmer's market and processing facility in Thoddoo is to provide more opportunities for farmers to sell their produce at reasonable prices and to work closely with them. He said the establishments will be made in a land plot of 5,000sqft. He added the farmer's market will also consist of 11 kiosks and will offer the opportunity to sell the produce of farmers from Thoddoo and other islands. He also said the project is expected to be completed this year.
The government is making efforts to solve the challenges faced by farmers in the Maldives. As such, the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture is working to establish a business platform to connect farmers and traders to help facilitate the availability of quality agricultural products in the market at reasonable prices. The programme targets 26 islands in the southern and northern regions of the country. The programme also aims to connect farmers and traders and establish sustainable business relationships.
BCC was established under the Ministry of Economic Development, with the mandate of operating business centres in different regions. There are currently 13 business centres across the country, tasked with implementing the government’s policies to promote and assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Notable initiatives include SEED by BCC and Authentic Maldives.