Prosperity for farmers, sector can be expanded: President

There is prosperity up ahead for farmers and expansion of the agricultural industry is an important policy of this government, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said today.

Speaking at an event held at GA. Nilandhoo during his three day visit to Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls, the President further said that the island's locals have requested the government to facilitate marketing their produce.

It is very important to find a feasible solution through government owned companies, he said.

The previous government had set up a company called Agronet to market farmers' produce. However, after the current administration dissolved the company, Agronet's operations have now been transferred to the Maldives Industrial Freezone, which was established in collaboration with STO.

"So, it is a very important policy of ours to expand agriculture in Maldives through Agronet or that system. Agriculture is an area that we are paying great attention to when we look at diversifying the economy of this country. Our plan is to improve it significantly from where it is now," President Muizzu said in the meeting held at Nilandhoo School.

The President said that special efforts have been made to produce enough food to meet Maldives' needs, and added that investment in it has been a high priority.

"So, happiness lies ahead for Maldivian farmers. The main focus is to improve the agricultural industry multiple fold from its current status and make it a very well-functioning and expandable industry," he said, adding that it was for this reason that he designated a special ministry for agriculture.

Besides his pledges to expand agriculture, the President also said that he would build a multipurpose hall for the island's school, establish sports facilities, further develop the harbour there and solve erosion as well.