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President announces rent-free agricultural land lease for next 3 years

Ahmed Aiham
15 October 2020, MVT 17:43
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on occasion of the National Farmers' Day on October 15, announced state's decision to lease agricultural land for three years without collecting rent. PHOTO: PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
Ahmed Aiham
15 October 2020, MVT 17:43

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on the occasion of the National Farmers' Day this Thursday, announced that the state will lease agricultural land for three years, free of rent, to increase food security amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The president stated that empowering farmers and sustaining a productive farming sector is a key policy priority, adding that his administration accords the highest priority to policy reform and enriching the agriculture sector of the country.

In that regard, President Solih also allocated an additional six uninhabited islands for investments in the sector.

Emphasizing on an unquestionable link between the nation’s sovereignty and food security, he expressed confidence in his administration regarding the availability of safe food regardless of any conditions that the country may face.

President Solih noted that one of the main obstacles for Maldivian farmers is the logistical constraints behind transporting produce to consumers.

Referring to the Agro National Corporation – a 100 percent state-owned corporation established earlier this year – he said the institution is mandated to devise efficient solutions to facilitate the sale and transport of fresh produce throughout the country.

Addressing the decisions of his administration to reduce the burden on farmers, President Solih noted that farming equipment no longer incurs import duty, as well as the implementation of loans and grants designated through the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC).

The theme for National Farmers’ Day this year is 'Responsible Farming - Food Security', and is celebrated on October 15 each year.

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