In this challenging time, to develop the agriculture industry in the Maldives, State Trading Organization(STO) is planning to open an agri-center.
STO’s Managing Director Hussain Amru has announced that the state-owned company is planning to establish an agri-center, where farmers will get paid as they sell their products. He further stated that the reason why farming has not fully prospered in the Maldives is that there is uncertainty in getting consistent income.
Thus the aim of STO is to purchase farmer’s products and pay them immediately, through the agri-center.
He also noted that to participate in this agri-center, farmers have to register, and forms for registration will be available from its website and from STO stores and pharmacies in islands.
After the registration, a farmer identification card will be given.
STO stressed on calling its hotline number after loading the products and advises to ensure the correct label is put on the packaging sent to STO.
MD Amru has also ensured that STO will be buying agriculture products with better prices than the prices its being sold in the market.
To further ensure the self-sufficiency of Maldives in the future, STO has visions of producing staple food such as rice and flour in the Maldives.
This agri-center is expected to ensure consistency in income to farmers. Also, this center will be a place where farmers will be able to sell their products at a good price.
In this challenging time, this will maintain the supply of fruits and vegetables in the country, while also ensuring income for the farmer.
