President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that empowering farmers and sustaining a productive farming sector is a key policy priority. He made this statement in his address to the public on the occasion of this year’s National Farmers’ Day.
In his written address released this morning, President Solih stated that his administration continues to give the highest priority to policy reform and enrich the farming and agriculture sector in the Maldives.
In this regard, he announced that for the next three years, all land allocated for farming, including those assigned within the next three years, will be rent-free.
He further stated that farming equipment no longer incurs import duty; loans and grants for farming had been designated through the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC); and, training programs in the field had been increased and diversified through the use of modern technology.
President Solih also noted that one of the main obstacles for Maldivian farmers is logistical constraints of transporting produce to buyers.
Addressing the main challenges faced by the Maldivian farmers as transporting the produce to buyers, he said that the Agro National Corporation – a 100% government-owned corporation established earlier this year – is mandated to devise an efficient solution to facilitate the sale and transport of fresh produce and connect suppliers and consumers.
While today, October 15, is celebrated as National Farmers’ Day, October 16 is celebrated internationally as World Food Day. Accordingly, President Solih extended his sincere felicitations and well wishes to our diligent farmers and all hard-working members of the food and agricultural sectors on these two happy occasions.
The theme for National Farmers’ Day this year is “Responsible Farming - Food Security.”
In his written address released this morning, President Solih stated that his administration continues to give the highest priority to policy reform and enrich the farming and agriculture sector in the Maldives.
In this regard, he announced that for the next three years, all land allocated for farming, including those assigned within the next three years, will be rent-free.
He further stated that farming equipment no longer incurs import duty; loans and grants for farming had been designated through the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC); and, training programs in the field had been increased and diversified through the use of modern technology.
President Solih also noted that one of the main obstacles for Maldivian farmers is logistical constraints of transporting produce to buyers.
Addressing the main challenges faced by the Maldivian farmers as transporting the produce to buyers, he said that the Agro National Corporation – a 100% government-owned corporation established earlier this year – is mandated to devise an efficient solution to facilitate the sale and transport of fresh produce and connect suppliers and consumers.
While today, October 15, is celebrated as National Farmers’ Day, October 16 is celebrated internationally as World Food Day. Accordingly, President Solih extended his sincere felicitations and well wishes to our diligent farmers and all hard-working members of the food and agricultural sectors on these two happy occasions.
The theme for National Farmers’ Day this year is “Responsible Farming - Food Security.”
