The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has begun entering into agreements with farmers selected to receive grants under the Maldives Agribusiness Program (MAP). The Ministry stated that six agreements have been completed to date.

Established through collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), MAP is designed to strengthen the agricultural sector in the Maldives. It incorporates training programmes and activities aimed at introducing modern farming methods and assisting farmers in adopting improved agricultural practices.

To deliver financial support under MAP, an MVR 15 million scheme is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture  the Ministry of Finance and SDFC. The agreement to initiate this scheme was signed in March last year between the Ministry of Agriculture and IFAD.

Grant proposals under the scheme were opened in 2024, with the objective of fostering climate-smart agricultural enterprises and enhancing national production. The Ministry reported receiving 68 applications, with a further 16 still under review.

The Agribusiness Matching Grant Program is directed at farmers from 26 islands in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Sahviyani Atolls, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises involved in agriculture. In addition, greenhouses have already been established in 12 northern islands to encourage environmentally sustainable farming practices.