Gov’t Outlines Crop Plan for New Agricultural Zone to Boost Food Security
The government has announced the crops to be cultivated in its newly designated agricultural economic zone, a move aimed at reducing reliance on imported produce.
Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr. Aishath Rameela, shared the updates during an interview with PSM News, highlighting that the strategic crop selection will directly impact the country’s import needs.
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Expanding domestic agriculture and enhancing food security are high on the agenda of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. To support this vision, a specific agricultural economic zone has been allocated for cultivating essential crops. This area is expected to play a crucial role in achieving food self-sufficiency, especially in light of challenges posed by climate change.
In her remarks, Dr. Rameela stressed the importance of food security for the Maldives, a nation heavily dependent on imported agricultural products. With climate-related vulnerabilities in mind, she emphasised the need for proactive disaster preparedness and the establishment of secure food reserves. The minister confirmed that several key crops have been selected for cultivation, aligning with national priorities, and revealed that an international company is set to begin harvesting in the coming year.
Among the produce planned for cultivation are onions, potatoes, garlic, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dr. Rameela noted that once these crops reach sufficient production levels, their importation will be phased out, thus boosting local agricultural output. She added that the government has set specific targets for reducing imports based on anticipated crop yields.
In addition, Dr. Rameela highlighted a significant agreement signed on March 28 between the Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone (MIDFZ) and China’s Harbor Engineering Company Limited (CHEC). This collaboration is aimed at developing the agricultural zone to ensure safe and sustainable food production. The government also plans to establish a national laboratory to test agricultural products, further supporting the initiative’s focus on food safety and quality.
