The Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture, Zaha Waheed, has stated that work is underway to form a company in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development to market local Maldivian produce.
The minister made the statement while speaking on RaajjeTV's "Fala Suruhee" programme, after asserting that local farmers are negatively impacted due to a lack of marketing for local produce. Therefore, the ministry plans to form a company for that purpose along with a kick-starting a project in conjunction with the International Fund For Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The company will establish collection centers. This brings in connectivity. We can expect a positive impact on farmers after releasing local produce using the upcoming transport network.Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture, Zaha Waheed
According to the minister, the produce will be free from chemicals, guaranteed by the upcoming pesticide legislation.
State Trading Organisation (STO) launched a project under the name "Grown in Maldives" to sell locally grown produce last October. STO plans to sell produce from the island of Thoddoo from Alif Alif atoll as the brand's pilot project.
Local farmers have complained of difficulties in selling off their harvest.
