The government is moving to expand market reach for domestic farmers as part of efforts to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported food.
Officials have outlined measures to connect island producers more directly with buyers in the capital and resorts, aiming to increase the share of locally grown vegetables, fruit and other crops in the national supply. The initiative seeks to address long-standing challenges of limited storage, transport and market information that have constrained small-scale farming across the atolls.
Agriculture contributes a modest share of GDP, and most fresh produce consumed in Malé and tourist resorts is imported. Expanding domestic sales is expected to support rural incomes while improving food security.
Further details on specific programmes and timelines have been shared with farmer associations and island councils.
