Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that the Maldives faces unique challenges in reducing post-harvest losses in the agriculture and fisheries sectors due to its geographic characteristics as a small island nation.

Speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Panel on Agriculture: Reducing Post-Harvest Losses – Enhancing Efficiency in the Food Supply Chain in Istanbul, Türkiye, Shiyam said reducing food loss and waste remains a key priority for the Maldives.

The Minister highlighted growing cooperation between the Maldives and Türkiye, noting that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's official visit to Türkiye in November 2023 and the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement had opened new opportunities for Maldivian premium tuna products in the Turkish market.

Minister Shiyam said the Maldives has been working to address post-harvest losses through a number of initiatives. In the agriculture sector, he pointed to the Agri Boat project, developed with support from the government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The solar-powered vessel is designed to transport agricultural produce while preserving products in chilled and dried conditions, helping reduce spoilage and improve access to markets.

In the fisheries sector, the Minister said efforts are underway to modernise fish transport systems, expand cold storage facilities and strengthen digital fisheries management systems. These measures are expected to reduce spoilage, maintain quality and increase income for fishers.

Despite these efforts, Shiyam noted that food waste remains a significant challenge. He said nearly 60 per cent of waste generated in the Maldives consists of food waste, while studies conducted in resorts show that 31 per cent of food is discarded.

The Minister said initiatives are being carried out with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the National Food Security Policy to reduce food waste and strengthen food supply chains.

He stressed that reducing post-harvest losses is not only important for food security but also for increasing economic value. He added that expanding cold storage and food processing capacity within the Maldives would help retain more value in the local economy and ensure benefits reach communities across the country.

Minister Shiyam concluded by emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between Government institutions, the private sector, researchers, farmers and fishers, describing the effort to reduce food loss and waste as a shared national responsibility.