Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr. Aishath Rameela has emphasised that vertical farming stands out as the optimal agricultural system for countries facing land constraints. The initiative is a crucial element of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's Week 14 Roadmap, aimed at fulfilling the government's pledges.
Dr. Rameela inaugurated the Vertical Farming Pilot Project during a special ceremony held at Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Rameela outlined the government's objective to introduce innovative agricultural techniques in the Maldives. She underscored that the pilot project aims to establish a highly suitable farming system tailored for a land-constrained nation like the Maldives.
Additionally, Dr. Rameela highlighted that four distinct models of vertical farming underwent testing at the Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Centre as part of the project. She expressed intentions to identify the most suitable models for national implementation, fostering vertical farming as a viable business endeavor. She also said that the government is committed to offering assistance for sustainable practices alongside aiding in the establishment of these systems.
The agriculture ministry has indicated that the initial focus of the project will be on cultivating various leafy greens and vegetables. Using hydroponics and aeroponics systems, crops are expected to be available within a month, with ongoing experimentation and expansion planned for additional crop varieties.