Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has announced five additional islands will be leased for agricultural development. He made the announcement 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 government will soon be leasing five islands for agricultural development and plans to lease more islands in the future. He also highlighted the increasing demand for land lots for the farming and agriculture industry.
Over 50 islands in the Maldives are currently leased for farming and agricultural work. The government previously opened uninhabited islands for agricultural development as part of its efforts to increase food production and reduce dependency on imports. The islands are leased at an annual rate of USD 0.0065 per square foot.
Companies that are awarded the islands must produce 30% of the food items specified by the ministry.