18 plots of land leased for agriculture under Urban Farming in Hulhumale'

The second Urban Farming project has been launched in Hulhumale', with 18 plots of land leased out for agricultural purposes.

In a press release, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) announced the inauguration of the new agricultural plots and an urban farming plaza as part of the second phase of the Urban Farming project.

The initiative aims to promote sustainable agriculture and create new opportunities for farmers in the Hulhumale'.

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr Mariyam Mariya and Japanese Ambassador to Maldives Ishigami Rumiko officially inaugurated the Urban Farming 2 plaza during a special ceremony held in Hulhumale' yesterday.

The Community Urban Farming project is implemented by HDC in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Sustainable Economic Empowerment for Development of MSMEs (SEEDS) project.

The main objectives of the project include promoting sustainable agriculture in Hulhumale', providing farmers with essential resources and training, and supporting them in earning a stable income through the sale of their produce.

HDC said that 84 farmers have been trained and awarded certificates under the program. The project is open to Maldivians aged 18 and above.

Under the project, 28 plots have been leased for farming, and 28 pop-up market stalls have been installed near the plots to support the sale of fresh produce.

Urban Farming Project was initially launched in 2021 to promote tree planting and urban agriculture in Hulhumale'. In the first phase, 16 plots in Hulhumale’ Neighborhood Three were leased for agricultural use.