Agro National Corporation (AgroNat) reveals it has signed agreements with over 500 farmers under the contract farming programme.
Speaking to PSM News, Head of Marketing Ahmed Zaki said AgroNat has signed agreements with 516 farmers and 185 farmers have begun work. Zaki highlighted the success of the programme and said over 2,000 farmers are interested in becoming part of the programme. AgroNat is currently buying agricultural products from 58 farmers while 145 farmers are in the process of growing their farms, he also said.
Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture Dr. Ibrahim Rasheed Hassan recently inaugurated the contract farming programme in Kandoodhoo, Thaa Atoll, after a farmer in the island signed the agreement with AgroNat.
Zakee said AgroNat will provide its full support to the farmer in Kandoodhoo, including providing resources and expertise in growing and marketing agricultural products. He detailed the purpose of contract farming is to grow and harvest the agricultural products under a specific schedule and that AgroNat assists the farmers in all the phases.
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. The company has established contracts with farmers to produce 17 different types of fruits and vegetables.