Second Round of Agribusiness Grants Opens for Farmers in Northern Atolls

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has opened the second round of the Agribusiness Matching Grant Programme to support climate-smart farming initiatives in the northern Maldives.

The programme, managed jointly with SME Digital, is open to farmers, non-governmental organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and cooperative societies in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani atolls, which form the core project areas of the Maldives Agribusiness Programme.

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Under the scheme, applicants can seek financing for agricultural projects valued at up to USD 129,702, while grant assistance is capped at USD 9,728 per beneficiary. The programme will cover between 30 and 50 per cent of project costs, with applicants required to finance the remaining amount through their own resources or farm-profit financing arrangements.

The second round is focused exclusively on Climate-Smart Production projects, including the installation of greenhouses, hydroponic systems and other climate-resilient agricultural technologies.

The first round of the programme concluded last year and provided support to 15 farmers across the three target atolls. Building on that experience, a series of information sessions will be held in the project islands to assist prospective applicants and explain eligibility requirements and application procedures.

SME Digital Chief Executive Officer Badruddeen Hassan said the programme is designed to reduce financial barriers for farmers and agribusinesses while encouraging investment in productivity, innovation and sustainable growth. He noted that such initiatives contribute to the development of a more resilient and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector in the Maldives.

The Maldives Agribusiness Programme is a joint initiative of IFAD and the Government of Maldives. As part of the programme, Island Farmer Forum Groups have been established in 26 islands to provide training, information and financial support to farmers.

Technical training on cultivating cucumber, melon, chilli and watermelon using cocopeat is currently being conducted in 12 islands. The programme aims to encourage the adoption of modern farming technologies, promote climate-smart agricultural practices and attract greater participation from young people in the sector.