Land has been officially handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare for the implementation of a national food security project on Kondey, an island in Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The handover ceremony took place on Monday at the Ministry, attended by Minister Dr Maryam Mariya, senior officials, and members of the Kondey Island Council.
The Ministry stated that Kondey was chosen for the project due to its vast land area and suitability for agricultural development. Spanning 118 hectares, Kondey is one of the islands designated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for agricultural promotion.
According to the Ministry, efforts are now underway to select a party to implement the project, with the bidding process expected to be announced shortly. The initiative is part of a broader plan to revive food crop production in the Maldives and modernise the sector using new technologies.
Priority will be given to cultivating fruits and commonly consumed food items. The Ministry also confirmed that the project will be implemented in close collaboration with local residents and farmers, with the aim of turning agriculture into a viable source of income for the island community.
An agroforestry component will also be introduced as part of the programme, aligning with the government’s goal to enhance food security and reduce dependency on imports through innovation in local production.
