More than 1,800 banana saplings have been distributed to 11 islands under the ongoing “Faiykeyo” banana varietal cultivation programme, the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources announced. The agricultural initiative is expected to elevate the quality of domestically produced bananas and significantly increase overall productivity for a crop that is traditionally grown by local farmers, easily cultivated across the islands of the Maldives, and readily sold in the market.
To ensure food security, the initial phase of distributing banana shoots and fertiliser has been completed for the Women’s Development Committees that expressed interest, submitted operational plans, and shared comprehensive information, according to the ministry. During this first round of the collaborative effort, a total of 1,865 banana saplings were distributed to the 11 islands, with the agriculture ministry providing the shoots, fertiliser, and vital technical information directly to the committees. This initial distribution reached the islands of Ihavandhoo, Maarandhoo, Thakandhoo, and Uligan in Haa Alifu Atoll; Kumundhoo and Vaikaradhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll; Bilehfahi, Goidhoo, and Maroshi in Shaviyani Atoll; alongside Maalhendhoo and Maafaru in Noonu Atoll.
The primary objective of the banana propagation programme is to increase the volume of bananas produced in the country by 50 per cent by the end of 2028, the ministry stated. Driven by the expansion of the tourism industry and an increasing number of tourists visiting the country, the volume of bananas imported into the country has climbed year by year, prompting a government target to reduce imports by 25 per cent by the end of 2028.
Under the framework of the programme, special areas dedicated exclusively to banana variety cultivation will be designated within the agricultural lands of inhabited islands. Banana shoots will be cultivated at the tissue culture laboratory included in the national laboratory facility established in Fuvahmulah City, and will subsequently be provided to farmers at a discounted price. Special training programmes will be conducted for farmers interested in growing bananas, and value-added methods will be introduced to minimise the volume of fruit that spoils without being sold.