Farmers are the backbone of the nation during times of crisis, Minister for Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has said.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Fehi Dhirun Expo held on 18 October to mark National Farmers’ Day, World Food Day and World Animal Day, Minister Shareef reflected on the vital role of farmers throughout history. He recalled that during World War II, food shortages affected many countries, but Maldivians were able to sustain themselves thanks to the nation’s rich marine resources and the relentless work of farmers across the islands.
“In this country, it is the farmers who provide the public with the greatest reassurance during times of difficulty. Their work must be recognised and valued,” the Minister said, acknowledging their continued contribution to national resilience.
He further noted that while the Maldives has evolved over the years, challenges such as land shortages persist. However, he highlighted that many farmers across the country continue to maintain productive farms through the use of modern technology.
At the same event, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr Maryam Mariya announced that a dedicated application for farmers, the ‘Dhanduveriyaa’ app, will be launched later this year. She stated that ensuring safe and affordable food for all should remain a national and international priority, noting that the agricultural industry is expanding and plays an increasingly important role in the country’s economy.
Dr Mariya revealed that more than 7,000 farmers are currently active in the Maldives, with women comprising over half of the workforce. She said this growing participation contributes significantly to women’s economic empowerment.
She also underlined the importance of prioritising environmental sustainability and human wellbeing in agricultural practices, pointing to the Maldives Food Agricultural Practice Certification System as the national framework ensuring the safety, quality and sustainability of local produce.
The Minister added that the government is continuing efforts to attract investors to agricultural islands, implement projects that promote island farming, and develop digital tools to collect and analyse agricultural data. She said the beta version of a new mobile application is now being tested and will be made publicly available to farmers later this year.
Dr Mariya commended President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership in ensuring that every island is equipped with land and resources to promote self-sustenance. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting this goal through targeted agricultural initiatives.
