Recent public commentary has drawn attention to the number of political staff at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, often focusing on its more visible activities, such as the operation of Olhu Hiyaa, a shelter under the Ministry’s care.

While such observations may raise legitimate questions about staffing, they risk presenting an incomplete picture that overlooks the Ministry’s far broader responsibilities.

The Ministry's mandate encompasses 40 distinct tasks – some of these matters are highly technical in nature, requiring significant time, energy and staffing to produce results.

Among its key responsibilities are ensuring the sustainable development of Maldivian agriculture and securing reliable access to commonly consumed foods. To achieve these aims, the Ministry works closely with relevant authorities to develop and implement effective policies.

A crucial part of its mandate involves setting national targets for agriculture and animal husbandry related to food production. This includes guaranteeing the availability of necessary financial resources and preparing comprehensive master and action plans in coordination with relevant institutions.

Providing technical assistance is another vital function, particularly in supporting authorities to formulate laws, develop regulations, and design governance frameworks needed to advance these sectors.

In addition to these regulatory and developmental roles, the Ministry oversees the leasing of uninhabited islands to various parties, ensuring that development on these islands complies with the designated purposes of the leases.

The Ministry is also responsible for establishing and enforcing standards in agriculture and animal husbandry, monitoring compliance, and implementing projects aimed at improving economic and social conditions within these sectors.

Alongside this, it develops and implements infrastructure projects related to agriculture and animal welfare, facilitating access to technical and financial assistance, resources, and support services for those working in these fields.

Increasing domestic agricultural production to meet the population’s needs remains a priority. This goal is pursued alongside efforts to promote local products and expand markets across different regions of the country.

Research plays a vital role in these efforts. The Ministry actively conducts and encourages research, collaborating closely with relevant authorities to maintain reasonable prices for essential food items. It also manages the issuance of permits required for the import and export of animals.

Beyond these core functions, the Ministry plays a key role in ensuring the continuous availability of veterinary medicines and vaccines, identifying zoonotic diseases, and protecting both human and animal health.

Political staff appointed by the President oversee this diverse portfolio, ensuring the Ministry’s work aligns with broader government objectives. Leading these efforts is the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya, whose proactive leadership has advanced key initiatives such as the Fushidhiggaru agricultural development project, aimed at enhancing food security; the ‘AgriBoat’ programme, which provides direct support to farmers; and significant improvements in veterinary services.

Minister Dr Mariya has also engaged with international organisations to foster collaborative projects and develop sustainable agriculture strategies, with a strong emphasis on empowering local farmers and fishermen.

Furthermore, the Minister has unveiled a comprehensive plan to empower women in the agriculture sector, including funding for female-led, tech-driven agricultural start-ups and specialised training in climate-resilient farming.

Together, these initiatives reflect a holistic and forward-looking approach, recognising that the Ministry’s responsibilities extend well beyond visible activities.