The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has launched a specialised training programme in Kudafari, Noonu Atoll, aimed at equipping participants with the expertise needed to produce value-added fish products and manage small-scale enterprises. The initiative, which commenced on 18 May, will run through 22 May.
With an emphasis on both technical knowledge and practical application, the programme provides hands-on experience in producing value-added fish products. Participants are receiving detailed instruction on various product categories, guided by technical experts from the ministry. Alongside production skills, the ministry stated that the curriculum integrates essential business strategies, ensuring trainees gain the competencies needed to manage commercial operations effectively.
Among the 15 individuals enrolled, women make up the overwhelming majority, with 14 female participants and one male trainee. Led by experienced professionals, the training offers direct engagement with industry specialists, fostering skill development in both production and entrepreneurship, the ministry said.
Kudafari's initiative aligns with a broader national effort by the government to modernise and diversify the Maldives' fishing industry. According to the ministry, similar training programmes across multiple islands reinforce the government's commitment to increasing the proportion of locally caught fish processed into value-added products for export. Strengthening this sector is central to enhancing global competitiveness and supporting long-term sustainability.