Pilot Project Planned for Laamu Atoll Under Agricultural Economic Zone Initiative

The Government is set to launch a pilot project in Laamu Atoll as part of its broader Agricultural Economic Zone initiative, aimed at expanding the agricultural sector and reducing reliance on imported food products.

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya, confirmed in Parliament that preparations for the pilot are already underway, with land identified and discussions on crop selection expected to conclude by the end of May. The project is scheduled to begin in June.

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The pilot forms part of a national strategy to strengthen food security through increased local cultivation. A major component of this effort is the creation of an agricultural economic zone, which was originally planned for Uthuru Thila Falhu but has since been relocated to Fushidhiggaru, according to the State Trading Organization (STO).

The Maldives Industrial Development Freezone Company signed an agreement earlier this year with China’s Harbour Engineering Company Limited to develop the main zone. The project will involve dredging 100 hectares of land at Fushidhiggaru, with work expected to commence in early 2026.

The zone will include greenhouses for fruits and vegetables, a training centre, and accommodation facilities. In its second phase, a poultry farm will be established to locally produce chicken eggs. The decision to reclaim land was made in response to the requirement for a large area to accommodate the project’s full scope.

Minister Mariya noted that while full implementation requires additional time for land reclamation, key elements of the initiative are progressing in parallel.