Ministry of Economic Development Updates Essential Food List for Import
Local market in Male’ city | Photo: MV+
The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has released an updated list of fruits and vegetables designated as essential food items for import into the Maldives.
The revision follows President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to import and sell ten types of fruits and ten types of vegetables commonly consumed in the Maldives through the State Trading Organisation (STO).
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
President Muizzu recently announced that the Cabinet had approved the bulk import of ten frequently consumed fruits, ten commonly used vegetables, and other staple items, including lentils, eggs, and potatoes, through STO. The decision reflects the government’s commitment to implementing its manifesto policies and ensuring food security in the Maldives.
In line with this directive, the Ministry of Economic Development has updated the list of essential imported food items. A total of 23 items have been added, and STO has been tasked with importing and wholesaling the new varieties.
The fruits added to the essential food list include banana, apple, orange, lime, passion fruit, mango, papaya, watermelon, chilli, and grapes. The vegetables added are red onion, ginger, carrots, eggplant, sweet potato, garlic, potato, cabbage, pumpkin, and spinach.
In addition, yellow lentils, chicken eggs, and coconut have been declared essential food items by the Ministry.
Prices of the newly listed items have risen in recent weeks. Under the President’s directive, importing and selling these goods through STO is intended to stabilise market prices and ensure public access to fruits and vegetables at affordable rates.
The government also monitors price fluctuations in the Maldivian market. When the price of a fruit or vegetable rises, STO is instructed to import the item to reduce prices. Recently, STO imported a shipment of oranges to sell at lower prices following a market increase.
