President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced the launch of a nationwide initiative to ensure the permanent availability of nutritious food at affordable prices, positioning the effort as a cornerstone of his administration’s food security and public health agenda. The announcement, made via social media on World Food Day, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving national well-being through healthier eating habits.
“Achieving a healthy, disease-free society and ensuring that children are raised in good health requires prioritising the maintenance of healthy habits regarding diet and nutrition. God willing, the government plans to broadly advance efforts at the national level to raise public awareness concerning these vital matters,” President Muizzu wrote.
The government has expanded its list of essential food items from three to 26, adding 23 new varieties. The selection was based on an evaluation of frequently imported goods, household consumption patterns, and nutritional value.
Fresh produce features prominently in the revised list, which now includes 10 commonly consumed fruits and 10 vegetables. Additional staples such as turmeric, mung beans or lentils, coconut, and eggs have also been added.
Implementation is being carried out through the State Trading Organization (STO), which has been tasked with importing and retailing the newly designated items at fixed prices. The first batch of fruits and vegetables was released to the market via STO on 15 October.
The government’s intervention aims to address longstanding price volatility. STO has pledged to maintain stable pricing for these essential items, ensuring their consistent availability across the country.
“Concurrently, the government is implementing practical measures to ensure that beneficial and high-quality food, commonly consumed in the Maldives, remains consistently available in the market at affordable prices,” the president assured.
President Muizzu also linked the initiative to broader public health campaigns, including efforts to reduce tobacco and vaping use. “The objective of the government's initiative, which began with the aim of discouraging the population from using tobacco and vape products, is to simultaneously dissuade citizens from adopting detrimental dietary habits that cause bodily harm,” he stated.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed echoed the president’s message, calling for global solidarity in addressing food insecurity. In her World Food Day post, she reframed food not merely as a necessity but as a fundamental human right.
“As we mark #WorldFoodDay, we recognise that food is more than a basic need. Food is a right. Food nourishes our bodies, and also plays a vital role in bringing people together across cultures and communities,” she wrote.
She also underscored the urgency of international cooperation in the face of climate change and global crises. “As we face unprecedented challenges, from climate change to conflicts, it’s more important than ever to work hand in hand, strengthening partnerships, scaling up global efforts, and driving meaningful change. Together, we can end hunger, improve nutrition, and ensure food security for all. A better future starts with better food,” the first lady wrote.
She concluded by affirming that a unified approach to food security not only addresses humanitarian and logistical challenges but also strengthens cultural ties and fosters community cohesion.