Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has stated the farming and agricultural industry should incorporate modern technologies and reduce the need for land plots. He made the statement at the ceremony to celebrate National Farmers' Day and World Food Day held in Kandoodhoo, Thaa Atoll.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Hassan said the Maldives has a limited landmass and the demand for more land plots is increasing. He said the government is working on growing the farming and agriculture industry to improve the rate of contribution to the GDP. He also predicted the major challenge in the near future would be to meet the demand for plots required by farmers and that one of several solutions is to incorporate vertical farming.
Additionally, Minister Hassan highlighted the need to build more experienced farmers in the Maldives and noted that currently, the country is not maximising the benefits as many farms are being operated by foreign workers. In this regard, he said the government is working to add agricultural studies to the educational curriculum and providing more opportunities for young people to begin their careers in the farming and agricultural industry.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture hosted a farmers' forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges in the industry as part of the activities held at Kandoodhoo.