The Gaafu Alifu Kondey Council has handed over land to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare to begin a national food security project on the island.

The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry's headquarters, attended by Minister Dr Maryam Mariya, senior officials, and council members from Kondey.

The project is part of the Government's broader efforts to improve food security by boosting domestic agricultural production. Kondey was selected for its large land area, with 116 hectares, making it one of the largest inhabited islands in the Maldives.

The Ministry stated that the project would prioritise cultivating commonly consumed produce and fruits using modern agricultural technology. It also aims to reintroduce traditional crops that have declined over the years. Officials said preparations are underway to identify individuals or groups who will run the project, and further announcements are expected soon.

The initiative will be implemented in close partnership with local residents and farmers, ensuring that the community directly benefits from the development.

The Government plans to expand similar agricultural projects to other islands with suitable land, as part of the Administration’s commitment to enhancing food self-sufficiency across the Maldives.