The Government of Japan, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Maldives, has launched an AgriBoat aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in the Maldives. The handover ceremony took place at Hulhumalé Marina, where the Ambassador of Japan, Takeuchi Midori, formally presented the vessel to Adam Shareef Umar, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works.
This initiative is part of the ‘Project for Developing Sustainable Agricultural Economy’ (PDSAE), a project worth USD 2.75 million (MVR 42.4 million), established under an agreement signed in 2021. The AgriBoat is designed to address post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ access to markets by reducing transportation challenges. The vessel, which is 65 feet long, incorporates environmentally efficient technologies, including low-carbon systems and cold storage, and has a storage capacity of 35 square metres.
The project complements ongoing efforts to strengthen the agriculture supply chain in the Maldives, with the aim of reducing waste and improving local productivity.
