Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that the government is preparing to hand over a one hectare plot from Kaashidhoo to a foreign company in order to start a major agriculture project.

During today's press briefing held at the President's Office, the minister said that the government has identified agricultural spaces under food safety measures and that a one hectare plot in Kaashidhoo has been reserved for the effort. He also said that the plot is on its way to be awarded to a foreign company.

"This project will be the biggest agriculture project Maldives has ever seen," said Shiyam.

Minister Shiyam went on to say that along with Kaashidhoo, the government has received excellent proposals to conduct such projects in regions that have been highlighted by the government. He said that some of the proposals have been evaluated, with plots having already been awarded to some companies.

When projects are handed over, certain varieties are required to be grown and the purpose is to decrease produce imports, Shiyam said.

Even though they are working to get to a point where some agricultural produce would not have to be imported as per Shiyam, Maldives is currently importing almost every variety of produce. He stated that produce that does not necessarily need to be imported is brought into Maldives. This includes coconut and skipjack tuna, said Shiyam.