Urban Farming Project Inaugurated in Hulhumalé to Promote Sustainable Agriculture

A new phase of the Urban Farming initiative has been launched in Hulhumalé as part of broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen local food systems. 

Agricultural plots and a dedicated plaza market were officially inaugurated yesterday under the second phase of the project.

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We are pleased to have launched Urban Farming lots 2 and the Urban Plaza as a part of our ongoing collaboration with @UNDPMaldives and @JapanGov to empower the urban farming community! Together, we are paving the way for long-term growth, supporting local farmers, and promoting… pic.twitter.com/UlZqtdtEWQ— Housing Development Corporation (@hdcmaldives) June 3, 2025

The inauguration ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya, and attended by key partners including the Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in the Maldives, Enrico Gaveglia, and the Managing Director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Mauroof Jameel.

The Community Urban Farming initiative forms part of the Sustainable Economic Empowerment for Development of MSMEs (SEEDS) project. Funded by a Japanese grant, the project is jointly implemented by UNDP and HDC.

The initiative aims to empower local farmers by providing training, agricultural resources, and support in sustainable marketing and sales practices. It also seeks to reduce reliance on imports by increasing local agricultural productivity.

At the ceremony, Dr Mariya emphasised the long-term impact of the project, highlighting its potential to benefit the entire Hulhumalé community. She described the initiative as more than just an agricultural project, noting its role in encouraging independent farming and enhancing food security. The project is also intended to be inclusive and community-oriented, with broad participation and a focus on agricultural innovation.

As part of this second phase, 84 participants have completed training and received certification. The programme was open to all individuals aged 18 and above. A total of 28 plots have been allocated for farming, while 28 pop-up market stalls have been established nearby to support direct sales.

According to HDC, the Urban Farming project will also contribute to tree planting efforts in Hulhumalé and improve access to food. The corporation added that the initiative aims to strengthen community bonds and help develop a resilient urban food system.