Ministry Signs Agreements with Farmers Under Agribusiness Programme

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has begun signing agreements with farmers awarded grants under the Maldives Agribusiness Programme (MAP).

MAP is a joint initiative between the Ministry and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), designed to develop the agriculture sector and promote modern farming practices through training programmes for farmers nationwide.

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In March last year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) launched a USD 985,000 grant matching scheme to provide financial assistance to farmers under MAP.

Applications for the Climate-Smart Production business grants were opened in 2024, with 68 submissions received. The Ministry is reviewing 16 applications, while agreements have been signed with six recipients to date.

The Agribusiness Matching Grant Programme targets farmers and small and medium enterprises participating in MAP across 26 islands in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani atolls. Greenhouses have been established in 12 islands in the north to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture.