President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the government’s decision to import commonly consumed fruits and vegetables through the State Trading Organisation (STO) is aimed at ensuring affordable access to essential food items for the public, and not to expand into general trade. He made the remarks while speaking during the ‘Rayyithunnaa Eku’ podcast on Wednesday.
On 12 September, President Muizzu announced that the Cabinet had approved the bulk import of ten commonly used fruits, ten vegetables most frequently consumed in the Maldives, and other staple food items such as lentils, eggs, and potatoes, through STO for sale in the local market.
Speaking on the podcast, the President stressed that the initiative is not limited to staple foods, noting that it would be most beneficial for the people if commonly consumed fruits and vegetables were also imported and made available through STO at affordable prices.
"We have studied this thoroughly and run all the numbers. After careful consideration, we have decided that this is in the best interest of the people,” the President said.
President Muizzu added that the government’s priority is to provide services of the highest quality and to shield the public from the impact of the actions of others. He further noted that the decision aligns with his pledge to strengthen food security in the Maldives.
Prices of the new food items to be imported through STO have risen in recent weeks. Under the President’s directive, importing and selling these goods through STO will help stabilise market prices of these goods and ensure that the public can access fruits and vegetables at affordable rates.