Maldives launches vertical farming as govt urges more youth

To ensure food security and increase agricultural productivity in the country, the first vertical farming project, a priority of this government, is underway and the Ministry aims to increase youth interest in agriculture and expand the project with youth participation.

The Ministry of Agriculture held a press conference on Thursday to give details of the work planned to be done in the first 14 weeks of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration.

"Hopefully we have launched and inaugurated the vertical farming on February 14 and is currently doing research work on it," said Maryam Vishama Ahmed, State Minister for Agriculture.

She noted that vertical farming is one of the best models for increasing agricultural production and improving food security in land-limited countries like Maldives. Under the pilot project, vertical farming activities are being carried out in H.Dh.Hanimaadhoo Agricultural Centre.

Vishama said three types of hydroponic setups have already been built at the centre. These include:

“Then our plan is to study which system is best for us and we will introduce them to the farmers and carry out vertical farming activities as part of the ongoing programs of the ministry,” he said.

Speaking at the meeting, the Ministry officials stressed the importance of increasing the participation of youth in the agricultural sector of Maldives. They noted:

The government is working to make agriculture one of the cornerstones of the economy of Maldives. This objective needs to be mirrored in government school systems to prepare the youth for a future world where organic food and sustainable food production may become scarcer.