Food security has become a pressing concern for the Maldives, with Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya, stressing its importance for the country's future.

She noted that the nation is becoming increasingly dependent on foreign imports and underscored the need to enhance self-sufficiency in food production.

Minster Dr Mariya highlighted that food security carries profound significance, especially for a country like the Maldives. She pointed out that, historically, Maldivians have relied on their natural resources, cultivating agricultural land and harnessing the wealth of the surrounding seas. The wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown across the islands, she added, reflects the nation’s long-standing tradition of self-sufficiency.

During the 48th Governing Council Meeting of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), held in Rome, Italy, from February 12 - 13, Minister Dr Mariya participated in discussions on the challenges the Maldives faces in ensuring sustainable agriculture and food security. The meeting focused on finding effective strategies to reduce reliance on imports while strengthening local food production.