Agro National Corporation Limited (AgroNat) has revealed it has provided starter packs to 40 farmers. The starter pack was introduced under AgroNat's contract farming programme and includes fertilisers, water hoses, chemicals, and other farming equipment.
Speaking to PSM News, the Managing Director of AgroNat Haroon Rasheed said around 120 farmers have requested the starter packs. He said AgroNat has so far provided the starter packs to farmers in Nilandhoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, four islands in Laamu Atoll, and one island in Raa Atoll.
Furthermore, Managing Director Rasheed said AgroNat will continue to provide starter packs to farmers in the contract farming programme. AgroNat stated farmers can pay for the starter pack in installments based on the profit they make from their produce and that farmers can also pick from a list of installment packages. The price of the equipment and resources in the starter pack is 20% lower than the market price, added AgroNat.
AgroNat was established by the government to market agricultural produce from local farms and provide a better income for farmers by providing technical and financial assistance to local farmers and helping them to market their produce.
Farmers from 45 islands have begun the fieldwork under the first phase of the contract farming project.