The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has announced that applications are now open for a special loan programme aimed at small- and medium-scale farmers.

Launched by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), the programme prioritises women farmers to economically empower them and encourage greater participation in agriculture, the Ministry stated.

The loan programme is open to all farmers in the Maldives and offers an opportunity to expand agricultural operations. The CFC will also prioritise proposals that incorporate modern farming techniques.

Applicants must submit their proposals by the first of next month.