Land allocated for the implementation of a national food security project, in Kondey, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, has been officially handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.
The handover ceremony was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare on Monday, attended by Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya, senior officials of the Ministry, as well as the members of the Kondey Island Council.
The Ministry noted that Kondey is a suitable location for the project due to its vast land area. The Ministry is currently in the process of selecting a party to implement the project, with the bid to be announced soon.
The Agriculture Ministry said priority will be given to the cultivation of fruits and commonly consumed food items under the project. The Ministry will be using modern technologies in implementing the project. Moreover, the project will be implemented in collaboration with local residents and farmers, and is expected to significantly benefit the island.
The main purpose of the project is to revive the production of crops that have declined in the Maldives and to develop agricultural products through technological innovation.
"It will be a highly profitable venture. Kondey is a large island with vast land and it is also an agricultural island. The main aim is to work with local farmers and use modern technology to increase food production," the Ministry said.
Kondey, an 118-hectare island, is among the islands President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has designated for the promotion of agriculture. An agroforestry programme will also be implemented in Kondey. One of the government's objectives is to promote agriculture as an income generating industry in such islands.