The Goidhoo Island Council has announced its collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare to develop an agricultural food processing facility in Goidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, as part of the SAARC Development Fund project.
Speaking to PSM News, President of the Goidhoo Island Council Ibrahim Shahid said that the project to build a food processing facility marks a significant milestone in expanding agriculture on the island. He said that a group has been formed to train more farmers as part of the project.
Additionally, Shahid emphasised the importance of addressing challenges in agriculture, particularly marketing difficulties that lead to farmers not receiving fair prices for their produce. He highlighted that the training programme includes information sessions aimed at overcoming these challenges. He also said that one major benefit of the food processing facility is its potential to reduce spoilage of farmers' produce and enable marketing at reasonable prices.
Furthermore, Shahid said that Goidhoo has a history of being a prolific agricultural island and the objective is to modernise its agriculture practices through the establishment of the food processing facility. He expressed that the facility will be equipped with necessary amenities and provide comprehensive training to farmers.
The Goidhoo Island Council has published the requirements for the development of the food processing facility, inviting bids until January 14. Interested parties have the opportunity to submit their bids and contribute to the development of agricultural infrastructure in the region.