Local farmers are benefitting from an increase in access to affordable finance during the incumbent government, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal, Dr Mariyam Mariya has said.
The Minister made these remarks at the high-level roundtable on the Four Betters for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held as part of the 44th Session of the FAO Conference.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Dr Mariya Mariage highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to increase productivity in Maldives’ agriculture and food production.
During her address, the Minister detailed the efforts to promote precision farming, MGAP (Maldives Good Agricultural Practices) training along sustainable resource use.
The Minister also mentioned the key initiatives that will facilitate the transformation of the agriculture and food sectors of the Maldives, including the importance of strengthening logistics and transportation between islands and increasing access to affordable finance.
She said that multiple efforts are underway to provide more opportunities for women and youth in agriculture.
To drive these efforts, the government has established a special fund to support women-led businesses using modern technology to promote sustainable agriculture. The government is also looking to provide training for women in climate resilient agriculture and modern farming techniques.
The Minister had pledged to facilitate better access to farmland and agricultural resources to ensure equal opportunities for women in the agricultural sector.