The government has initiated special efforts to promote the export of farmers' produce to markets at more affordable prices.
A key goal of the government is to reduce the dependency on imported food by increasing the availability of locally grown products in the Maldivian market. Currently, most fruits and vegetables in the market are imported, leading to higher prices compared to other countries. Despite the fact that various crops are grown across the Maldives, farmers face significant challenges in transporting their produce to urban markets, particularly in the capital Male' City.
To address the issue, the government has begun taking steps to ensure farmers' products can be sold at lower prices. As such, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation have been holding discussions. One proposal under consideration is the use of air cargo to transport farmers' goods.
Speaking on the issue, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr. Aishath Rameela emphasised that simply providing air transport for farmers' produce will not fully resolve the issue. She pointed out that there are additional costs involved in transporting goods from the islands to the flight departure points. She, therefore, said that ongoing discussions with various stakeholders are critical to finding a long-term solution.
The government aims to lower the prices of locally produced crops in the market by reducing transportation costs. It will not only benefit consumers but also increase the profitability of farmers. The government is also engaging with all relevant parties to make transportation more affordable and efficient.
The government is making efforts to reduce food imports by promoting domestic agriculture. As such, 200ha of land in Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) are being designated for agricultural use, with plans to cultivate crops that are currently imported. In addition, support for local farmers is also being expanded through increased agricultural loans, as well as technical assistance and resources for those interested in farming.