The Maldives has emphasised that the primary obstacle for small nations like itself in advancing towards a sustainable food production system is the lack of financial resources. The remarks were delivered by Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr. Aishath Rameela, during her address at the 37th Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Ministerial Meeting.
In her participation as a panelist during the session, Minister Rameela delved into the challenges and potential strategies for attaining food security amidst environmental adversities encountered by small developing nations such as the Maldives, exacerbated by insufficient resources. In addition, she presented a 'Country Statement' on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Authority of the Maldives, outlining the agricultural and fisheries sectors' status and the country's requirements for support in these domains.
Within the statement, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu underscored the obstacles to agricultural, fisheries, and mariculture development, along with the ongoing efforts to implement policies aimed at alleviating these hindrances and enhancing food security and nutritional conditions within the country. He also highlighted the necessity for regional cooperation and assistance in bolstering the agricultural, fisheries, and mariculture sectors.
During discussions revolving around transitioning to sustainable food production and consumption systems, Minister Rameela reiterated that the foremost challenge for small nations like the Maldives in achieving such a shift lies in the insufficient allocation of financial resources. She further urged financially affluent countries to extend support to small island nations like the Maldives.
The biennially held largest conference on food and agriculture in the Asia Pacific region is slated to take place in Pakistan in 2026.