The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has concluded a national workshop aimed at equipping Maldivian farmers with the Maldives Good Agricultural Practices (M-GAP) standard under the Project for Developing Sustainable Agricultural Economy (PDSAE).

The workshop, which included two days of theory sessions in Malé followed by practical training in Thoddoo, brought together 55 participants from 22 islands. Each participating island was represented by a council official and a local farmer.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr Maryam Mariya said the successful training demonstrated that small-island farming can be elevated to international standards through MGAP. The Minister described the certification system as a guarantee of health and safety for consumers and a source of confidence for farmers adapting to climate challenges.

According to the Ministry, 50 farmers were trained last year under the PDSAE project, which aims to strengthen sustainable agricultural practices across small island communities. 

The Minister also highlighted the progress made in Noonu Goidhoo, where 10 members of the Island Farmers’ Forum have obtained MGAP audit certification. Goidhoo is now the first island in the Maldives to be certified across five MGAP modules, marking what the Minister described as a historic achievement.

The MGAP certification not only improves food safety but also positions Maldivian agriculture for potential access to international markets, raising the profile of smallholder farming and supporting the Government’s food security goals.