Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has pledged to work on facilitating a system for farmers to acquire plots through local councils. He made the statement at the closing ceremony of the farmers’ forum held in Kandoodhoo, Thaa Atoll.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan stated the forum has helped to identify a lot of challenges and obstacles faced by farmers in their line of work. In particular, he highlighted the concerns raised by farmers regarding the difficulties faced in acquiring plots of land for farming. Noting the Agro National Corporation (AgroNat) also looks to buy items from plots issued under local councils, the minister said there needs to be policies within the local council system to issue plots for farmers. He pledged to work on facilitating a system to issue farming plots through local councils.
Speaking further, the agriculture minister stated the most important matter in hand is providing a good market for farmers to sell their produce. He requested all farmers who took part in the forum to attach priority on producing items with minimal use of chemicals and to use natural fertilisers in order to raise the quality and price of their produce.
The two-day forum in Kandoodhoo was attended virtually by farmers from all over the country. During the forum, farmers shared their concerns and challenges, and discussed solutions for the issues with relevant authorities and institutions.