First Lady Saajidha Mohamed has stressed the need for specialised solutions to strengthen the agricultural sector in the Maldives, citing the country’s unique challenges in ensuring food security. 

Speaking at the opening of the Climate Resilient Agriculture for Food Security in the Maldives conference on February 3, 2025, she outlined key measures to promote sustainable farming practices.

The conference, organised by the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), addressed the growing impact of climate change on agriculture. The First Lady highlighted the Maldives' reliance on imports, with 90 per cent of food sourced from abroad, making the nation vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She pointed out that the Maldives faces distinct hurdles, including rising sea levels, high salinity in groundwater, limited arable land, and transportation difficulties between islands. These challenges, coupled with climate change, have made conventional farming increasingly difficult.

To tackle these issues, the First Lady called for a comprehensive agricultural framework that builds resilience against climate change and natural disasters. This includes greater investment in agriculture, the use of emerging technologies, and integrating local farmers' expertise into national strategies.

She also noted the difficulties farmers face in accessing markets due to transportation constraints, underscoring the need to develop sustainable supply chains to support local produce.

The First Lady praised the President’s plan to plant five million trees during his term, framing it as part of a broader strategy to enhance food security and support the agricultural sector.

Additionally, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided USD 21.95 million to support food security initiatives in the Maldives. The funding will introduce Climate Smart Urban Farming techniques to farmers in Haa Alifu Atoll and Addu City, boosting the country’s capacity to cope with climate-related agricultural challenges.