A special forum titled “The Future of Farming” was held in Meedhoo, Addu City, to mark World Food Day and National Farmers’ Day.
Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam inaugurated the event. Farmers from Meedhoo, students from Seenu Atoll School and members of the public attended.
In his opening remarks, Minister Shiyam highlighted Meedhoo’s long history of farming and commended local farmers for efforts to modernise agricultural practices. He said the future of agriculture in the Maldives rests with young people, and that practical experience is as important as formal knowledge.
“Agriculture must be advanced in the future, and you students are the ones who will take it forward. Farming in the Maldives is very different from that in other countries. The Maldives is also among the countries most vulnerable to climate change,” the minister said.
Students from S. Atoll School presented innovative agricultural products and shared ideas through presentations. A panel discussion covered challenges facing the sector and measures to develop agriculture further.
The minister also attended the opening of an orientation workshop for the Vilunveshi School Garden Programme at Addu Canareef Resort Maldives, held under the “Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security” project.
The events form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food security and support local farming communities.
