Kaashidhoo Island Council has transferred 1 hectare of land to the Ministry of Agriculture for a national food security initiative. The handover took place during a ceremony in Kaashidhoo attended by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Agriculture Minister Dr. Maryam Mariya, MTCC Managing Director Hassan Hassan, and council president Mohamed Amir.
The land will be leased to the ministry for a period of 20 years. The ministry stated that the project aims to increase domestic food production using sustainable, environmentally friendly methods, while reducing the country’s reliance on imported food. It also seeks to generate training opportunities, jobs and business activities for island residents, particularly youth and women.
Under the programme, farmers and island residents will receive training in sustainable farming, business skills and technology use, as well as participate in awareness campaigns focused on food safety and sustainable agriculture. The initiative is part of a broader agricultural strategy to bolster food security across Maldivian islands with suitable land.