Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has announced that the Maldives’ fish processing capacity is set to increase from 35 tonnes to 300 tonnes within the next three years. Speaking in an exclusive interview with PSM News, the Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to expand fish storage and processing facilities across the country.
As part of the first phase of this expansion, facilities in the southern atolls, Nilandhoo, and Felivaru will be upgraded to handle 100 tonnes each. This development aims to significantly enhance the country’s ability to process and store fish, meeting the needs of fishermen and the growing fisheries sector.
The government is also addressing the challenges faced by fishermen, particularly in accessing fish and obtaining ice. To alleviate these issues, the establishment of 11 ice plants is underway, with three expected to be operational this year. Additionally, five ice plants will be funded by Saudi Arabia, while three more are included in the national budget.
Efforts to modernise fishing operations include a special loan facility to support the installation of Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems on fishing vessels. The Minister revealed that more than 35 fishermen are expected to benefit from this scheme within the year, enabling them to improve the quality and efficiency of their operations.The expansion of fish processing capacity and the provision of modern facilities reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector, which remains a cornerstone of the Maldivian economy. These initiatives aim to enhance livelihoods, reduce operational challenges, and support sustainable growth in the industry.
