The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has announced that a temporary Ramadan market will open in Malé City on February 17 to facilitate the sale of locally grown agricultural produce during the holy month.

The market will be established in the North Harbour area and is intended to accommodate the large volumes of farm produce brought to the capital during Ramadan. The Ministry stated that the initiative aims to provide an organised platform for farmers and island communities travelling to Malé to sell items cultivated specifically for the season.

Seven islands are set to participate in the market. Among them are Shaviyani Goidhoo, Gaafu Alifu Nilandhoo and Thaa Kan’doodhoo, islands widely recognised for their agricultural production.

The market will feature produce from 10 farms certified under the Maldives Good Agricultural Practices (MGAP) programme. Only food items cultivated in the Maldives will be permitted for sale, and all sales activities will be conducted exclusively by Maldivians.

Under the operational guidelines issued by the Ministry, vendors may begin bringing goods to the market from Sunday. Fresh fruits, vegetables and other locally produced food items from across the country will be available, while the sale of non-agricultural products will not be allowed. Foreign nationals will not be permitted to engage in sales activities at the market.

The market will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and will remain open until March 26. Vendors will be required to clear remaining goods from the site at the conclusion of Ramadan.