STO to import staple fruits and vegetables

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the State Trading Organization (STO) will begin importing and selling a wider range of essential food items, 10 types of fruits and vegetables, eggs, and garlic.

This marks the first time STO is expanding beyond its usual imports of flour, sugar, and rice, as part of efforts to stabilize market prices and improve food security, a key pledge in President Muizzu’s manifesto.

The move comes amid rising food prices in the Maldives. According to the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, food prices increased by 1.96 percent compared to August last year, with a month-on-month rise of 1.62 percent.

Further details on the initiative have not yet been provided.