Gov’t Underscores Vital Role of Farmers in Ensuring Food Security

The Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works has highlighted the crucial role of farmers in ensuring the nation’s resilience during challenging times.

Speaking at the opening of the Fehi Dhirun Expo yesterday, held to commemorate National Farmers’ Day, World Food Day, and World Animal Day, Minister Adam Shareef Umar described farmers as the backbone of the nation during periods of crisis.

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The Minister recalled that during World War II, access to food was one of the most significant challenges faced globally, including in the Maldives. He said that Maldivians were able to sustain themselves during that period due to the nation’s rich marine resources and the dedication of farmers across the islands. He emphasised that farmers continue to play a vital role in providing reassurance and stability during difficult times and called for their work to be recognised and valued.

Minister Shareef also reflected on the evolution of farming in the Maldives, noting that although land scarcity remains an issue for many families, numerous farmers across the country continue to maintain productive farms with the help of modern technology.

At the same event, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr Maryam Mariya announced that a dedicated application for farmers, named Dhanduveriyaa, will be launched later this year. She highlighted the importance of ensuring access to safe and affordable food for all, stressing that food security should remain a national and global priority.

Dr Mariya noted that more than 7,000 farmers are currently active in the Maldives, with women comprising over half of the agricultural workforce. She said this growing participation contributes significantly to women’s economic empowerment and the overall strength of the agricultural sector.

The Minister further emphasised that agricultural practices in the Maldives must prioritise environmental protection and human wellbeing. She underlined the importance of maintaining food quality and safety, noting that the Maldives Food Agricultural Practice Certification System serves as the national standard to guarantee the safety, quality and sustainability of local agricultural products.

Dr Mariya also spoke about government initiatives to attract investors to agricultural islands and develop island-based farming projects. She revealed that a new mobile application is being developed to improve the collection of agricultural data, with the beta version currently undergoing testing. The app is expected to be made available for public use later this year.

She commended President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership in promoting self-sufficiency on every inhabited island and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing this initiative.