Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Zaha Waheed has revealed the biggest challenge faced by Maldives fishermen is selling and storing fish.
Speaking to PSM News concluding her trip to some islands to meet with local fishermen and stakeholders, Fisheries Minister Zaha Waheed said the main aim of the trip is to identify the challenging areas for fishermen. In this regard, Minister Zaha stated the major complaint was the difficulties in storing fish due to lack of receiving ice and in selling fish. Moreover, she expressed such difficulties can be eased with the assistance of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO).
During the visit, she visited Kolamaafushi in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Kooddoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Hulhumeedhoo in Addu City and inquired about the situation of the fisheries sector in the islands. She also toured the Addu Fisheries Complex, which is capable of producing 100 tonnes of ice per day. The complex is one of the largest facilities in the south of the country.
There is an ice producing facility in all the atolls of Maldives. Most of the facilities produce 25 tonnes of ice per day.