The Government has opened new opportunities for private sector investment in the agriculture sector to strengthen food security and promote sustainable economic development in the Maldives.

The announcement was made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu while delivering the Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the 20th People’s Majlis for the year, where he highlighted agriculture as a priority sector that requires renewed policy focus and investment.

In his address, the President noted that despite agriculture having long been an important source of livelihood for Maldivians, the sector has not developed into a fully industrialised field over the years. He said the country’s continued dependence on food imports underscored the need to prioritise domestic agricultural production as part of a sustainable economic framework. The President stated that the Government’s policy direction is to ensure that key food items produced in the Maldives are sufficient to meet domestic demand, in order to strengthen national food security.

The President said an enabling environment has been created to encourage private investment in agriculture, with measures being taken to expand agricultural businesses and attract greater private sector participation. He announced that agricultural projects in Kondey and Kaashidhoo have been opened for investment under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with additional projects planned to be made available this year in Laamu Gan and Haa Dhaalu Nolhivaram.

He further stated that the projects will focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and addressing challenges faced by farmers at the island level, including access to markets and difficulties in the buying and selling of produce. The Government is also working to establish value addition centres and introduce new crop varieties across the country as part of efforts to diversify agricultural production.