President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Wednesday, said state-owned State Trading Organization (STO) decided to import fruits and vegetables commonly consumed by Maldivians after careful calculations and research, adding the move should not be viewed as interference in the private sector's business activities.
Speaking on the ninth and the latest episode of ‘Rayyithunaa Eku’ podcast, the President expressed his view that STO should not be confined to importing only staple foods. He said that it would be most advantageous for the public if the state-run company also imported other necessary food items.
“As I believe, it would be most advantageous for the public if the most important and commonly used fruits and vegetables are also imported [by the company]. This is not interference with private sector business. Rather, it paves way for the public to have access to these products at the best price,” he said.
President Muizzu, citing national bank, Bank of Maldives (BML) is providing businessman easier access to US dollar, said the situation is more favorable for wholesale food importers. He added that decisions alike are reached by the government after careful calculations and research.
Speaking further, the President revealed that STO is undertaking efforts to procure land from various islands and begin cultivating food products on these land plots. However, the President did not provide an exact date these efforts will come to fruition.
“STO will procure land from various Maldivian islands and begin cultivating food products. They will enter poultry farming through these efforts. Investments will be arranged for poultry farming very soon. This is the government’s decision. As such, STO will play a crucial role in ensuring food security,” he said.
Notably, the cabinet, last Wednesday, moved to address escalating food prices by deciding to import essential food items in bulk through STO. The decision cam amid soaring prices of common food products like apples and oranges, from MVR 4-5 to MVR 13, alongside significant increases in other basic foodstuffs.
Under this initiative, beyond general food staples, STO will now undertake bulk imports of 10 commonly consumed fruits and 10 vegetables, as well as lentils, eggs, and potatoes, for distribution in the Maldivian market.
The opposition has criticized the government’s decision, with former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer citing entrusting STO with importing fruits and vegetables into Maldives does not ensure food security. He warned that the policy could severely impact private businesses, potentially leading to closures.
Meanwhile, former STO managing director Hussain Amr said the government importing all and every type of essential commodities is not the way to ensure food security.
Amr added that the government needs to support private businesses and local farmers, including by giving businesses access to the US dollars they need to import products.
President Muizzu, while speaking at a parliamentary election campaign event last year, announced his administration's plans to cease the majority of expenses incurred for food products that can be cultivated in the Maldives. In this regard, he detailed that a 200-hectare land plot will be reclaimed from Uthuru Thilafalhu for this purpose, with islands where farming is already practiced, also included in the plans. 
He added that the initiative would have a highly positive impact on the nation's economy. 
The incumbent administration places a high priority on ensuring food security, especially for extenuating circumstances such as disasters. The administration said a specific ministry for agriculture was established with this in mind. 
However, farmers have criticized the government for failure to undertake necessary efforts to achieve this aspirations.