The National Agriculture Laboratory has been officially inaugurated in Fuvahmulah City.

The facility was inaugurated by Dr Maryam Mariya, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.

The laboratory has been established to address longstanding gaps in national-level agricultural research, diagnostics, and specialised laboratory infrastructure. It is expected to enhance farm productivity, strengthen disease and pest control measures, and reinforce national biosecurity.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Maryam Mariya said the establishment of the National Agriculture Laboratory in Fuvahmulah marks an important step forward in ongoing efforts to modernise agricultural services and strengthen national food security. She noted that the facility will support the selection of climate-resilient crops, improve disease management, enhance soil quality, and increase agricultural productivity.

The Minister said the laboratory has been designed to provide comprehensive technical support for the agricultural sector under one roof, while also helping farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change. Services offered by the facility will include soil analysis, plant disease diagnostics, insect research, and plant tissue culture.

The National Agriculture Laboratory will provide services not only to farmers, but also to researchers, agricultural extension officers, and policymakers. The facility is expected to play a key role in promoting sustainable, climate-friendly, and safe agricultural practices across different regions of the Maldives.

The laboratory was established under the Developing a Sustainable Agricultural Economy Project, which is supported by the Japan government and implemented through the United Nations Development Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.