Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr Mariyam Mariya has met with farmers in Thoddoo, North Ari Atoll, to discuss their concerns.

Known as the 'agricultural hub' of Maldives, Thoddoo is renowned for its farming activities. This marked Dr Mariya's first visit to a farming community since assuming her Ministerial role.

During her visit, the Minister met with the Island Council and toured local farms. In discussions with the council, she addressed farmers' concerns, food security issues, and both ongoing and planned projects to support the agricultural sector. The Minister emphasised the Government's commitment to providing technical support and resources to find practical solutions to their challenges.

The Minister also discussed plans to develop Thoddoo as an agricultural tourism destination, as envisioned by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. She highlighted the potential for farm tours, local produce markets, and educational programmes during consultations with the council and farmers regarding collaboration between the Government and local stakeholders to achieve this goal.

As part of a broader agricultural expansion strategy, the Ministry has begun exploring opportunities to strengthen the sector through partnerships with resorts. The aim is to understand how resorts cultivate vegetables and fruits in their gardens, and to identify areas for knowledge sharing and sustainable farming practices between resorts and the Ministry.

Continuing her nationwide agricultural assessment, the Minister has visited Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll upon the Atoll Council's invitation. The purpose of the visit was to examine the condition of agricultural islands and uninhabited islands in the atoll. During her stay, discussions were held regarding the challenges faced by the atoll in the agricultural sector and potential solutions that could be implemented through collaboration between the ministry and the atoll council.

Minister Dr Mariya on her visit to GDh. Atoll --- Photo by: Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare