President: Agriculture distribution centres, cold storage will soon be operational
President Solih stressed on the need to expand agriculture further and highlighted the future course of action he had planned:
By
Ahmed Mizyal
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday announced that distribution centres and cold storage facilities developed in nine islands will soon be used to bring agricultural products to the market.
President Solih made the announcement at a ceremony held K. Kaashidhoo on the occasion of the combined National Farmers' Day and World Food Day.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih stressed on the need to expand agriculture further and highlighted the future course of action he had planned:
The president described agricultural plans he intended to initiate through the state owned Agro-National Corporation (AgroNat). AgroNat is entrusted with the overall mandate to assist in developing the agricultural sector and marketing agricultural goods in the Maldives.
The president said that the state has entered into agreements with 715 farmers from across the country and their produce will be purchased from AgroNatt and brought to the market.
He, however, said it was not the ultimate solution to the entire problem in marketing agricultural produce. He said there are a lot of things to be done and some things are already in process.
"One of them includes managing the process of bringing agricultural produce to the market while they are still fresh. AgroNat has already set up distribution centres as well as solar-powered cold storage facilities," he said.
"These centres will be operational soon, and AgroNat’s services will expand further."
Some other points the president noted in his speech:
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In 30% of the lands that have been newly released for long-term farming, it is mandatory to cultivate 17 types of vegetables and fruits that guarantee food security
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AgroNat should buy and market the 17 varieties of vegetables and fruits produced by farmers who have entered into an agreement with them
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The two boats being built for the purpose with UNDP’s help will be put into service by next year, which will further expand the scope of operations for AgroNat
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One of the leading agricultural towns in the country A.A. Thoddoo is experiencing salinization of their ground waters, and this issue will be tackled by an ADB-funded project, for which preparations are underway
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Using a solar powered machine to desalinate the ground water, this project will be run with the confirmed ADB's assistance of MVR 46 million. Practical work will begin in 2023
President Solih said that priority will be given to protect the environment of the Maldives in all developmental projects. He added that eco-friendly and cutting-edge technology should be used in the development of the agricultural industry.
