The establishment of a new facility for value-added farming produce in Shaviyani Goidhoo by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare is expected to enhance opportunities for small-scale farmers and strengthen the country’s agri-food sector.

The project forms part of the initiative “Livelihood Enhancement of Small-Scale Farmers in the SAARC Region through Small-Scale Business Focussing on Value Chain Development”.

Its primary goal is to strengthen agri-food value chains, enabling farmers to access new markets, acquire modern skills and technologies, and improve household incomes.

Experts highlighted that the differences in value chains for fruits and vegetables compared with food grains, owing largely to perishability and food safety requirements, underscore the need for a more comprehensive agricultural system.

The new facility is expected to address these challenges while contributing to the Ministry’s long-term objectives such as creating more opportunities for women and youth in agriculture, reducing dependence on imports, and fostering a sustainable food system.

The facility will allow local farmers to process and sell value-added agricultural products in both domestic and international markets, thereby ensuring fairer returns for their produce.

According to the Ministry, construction of the facility has already been completed, and work is currently underway to procure the necessary equipment before operations can begin.