Maldivian fishermen face difficulty in selling fish during the fishing season due to the lack of fish buying and storing capacity in the country. With President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom assuming office in 2013, he has taken key initiatives to solve these issues.
One such development is the establishment of a Fisheries Complex in Addu city, which is set to be inaugurated by July this year. The administration has taken key and strategic steps to ensure local fishermen receive the best prices for the fish, especially during the fishing seasons.
To achieve the objectives, the current administration has expanded the capacity of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO). Last year alone, MIFCO has increased the fish buying capacity from 400 tonnes to 720 tonnes while frozen fish storing capacity has been increased to 612 tonnes. In addition, ice production capacity has also been increased from 355 tonnes to 630 tonnes.
Last three days have been recorded as the highest fish purchasing period by Kooddoo Fisheries Complex since 2008, with 1,200 tonnes of fish bought by the company, according to the information provided by MIFCO. With the increase of purchase of fish, more equipment and vessels have been utilised in the operations, Operations in charge of Kooddoo Fisheries Complex Ibrahim Rasheed revealed in an exclusive interview with PSM News. He assured the fisheries facility aims to provide fast and efficient services to the local fishermen.
Furthermore, MIFCO also plans to start the operations of its fisheries complex in Addu city by July this year. In its efforts to enhance the fisheries sector of Maldives, the administration has been establishing ice storage facilities across the country.