Maldives has entered discussions with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) to explore avenues for strengthening the island nation’s food security through the introduction of resilient and high-nutrition crops.
A delegation from JIRCAS held talks with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare in Malé, focusing on enhancing vegetable research and the adaptability of crops suited to Maldivian conditions. The discussions centred on local crop varieties, ideal traits for the island climate, and the research priorities required to meet the country’s food production goals.
According to the Ministry, the two parties examined the potential for introducing crops such as amaranth, soybean, and tomato, which are considered both nutritious and resilient. These crops could play an important role in diversifying agricultural production and reducing the Maldives’ dependence on imported fresh produce.
The government has been pursuing multiple initiatives to boost the agriculture sector, with a particular emphasis on improving the safety and quality of food grown within the country. As part of this broader push, work is ongoing to establish a national agricultural laboratory aimed at ensuring the safety of local produce and addressing the longstanding concerns of farmers.
The laboratory will monitor the quality of agricultural products and regulate the use of chemicals, thereby helping to standardise farming practices and enable the production of safe, healthy food. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to food security, environmental sustainability, and support for the farming community.
