Farmers are the backbone of the nation during times of crisis, Minister for Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has said.
The Minister made the statement at the opening of the Fehi Dhirun Expo held 18 October to commemorate National Farmers' Day, World Food Day and World Animal Day.
In his address, the Minister said the most significant challenge faced by countries worldwide, including the Maldives, during World War II was access to food. Fortunately for the people of the Maldives, the abundant marine resources and the tireless work of farmers across the islands enabled Maldivians to sustain themselves throughout the war, he noted. Similarly, farmers are still reliable in difficult situations, he noted, acknowledging their service.
"In this country, it is the farmers who provide the public with the greatest reassurance during times of difficulty. Their work must be recognised and valued,” the Minister said.
The Minister further noted that as the world changes, the Maldives has also undergone significant changes over the years. While many families continue to face land shortage, there are farmers cross the country that continue to maintain productive farms with the aid of modern technology, he said.
Speaking at the same ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya said that a dedicated app for farmers, the ‘Dhanduveriyaa’ app will be launched later this year. She emphasised that providing safe and affordable food to every individual should be a priority at the national and international levels. The agricultural industry is growing rapidly and plays a key role in the country's economy, she added.
Citing recent statistics, the Minister noted that more than 7,000 farmers are currently working in the country, with women making up over 50 percent of those involved in the industry. Minister Mariyam noted that this facilitates women's economic empowerment.
The Minister further emphasised that priority should be given to the environment and human wellbeing in agricultural practices in the Maldives. Ensuring the safety and quality of food produced is fundamental to ensure food safety, she said, adding that the Maldives Food Agricultural Practice Certification System is the national standard that ensures the safety, quality and sustainability of agricultural products.
The Minister further noted government efforts to attract investors to agricultural islands, and implement projects aimed at developing island agriculture, as well as developing a mobile application using modern tools to collect agricultural statistics.
"The beta version of the mobile application is currently undergoing testing. Once this phase is completed, the application will be made available for public use by all farmers in the Maldives later this year,” the Minister revealed.
The Minister commended President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s forward-looking leadership in ensuring that each island has designated land and resources for self-sustenance. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the initiative.