President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated fishermen would be able to reap the benefits early next year of the government’s efforts to expand the sector, including positive changes to pricing. He made the statement while addressing the official function held in Gaafaru, Kaafu Atoll, to mark the 41st National Fishermen’s Day.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih said while lockdowns led by the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted economic activity, the fisheries sector was one that survived to continue uninterrupted as an economic mainstay. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a sustainable fishing industry, the president outlined some of the positive changes the government has pioneered for fishermen.
On this topic, President Solih assured that the government’s foremost priority is ensuring timely payments for fishermen. He noted while Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd. (MIFCO) owed over USD 2.5 million to fishermen when his administration took office, the debt was cleared, followed by the implementation of new policies to issue weekly payments to fishermen.
The president further noted the quality of fish is a significant factor that determines pricing. He added maintaining quality is one of the areas the government is focusing on improving, which includes establishing a nationwide mechanism to provide ice to fishing vessels. While he inaugurated the newly developed ice plant on Gaafaru on December 10, 2021, others had been completed on Maduvvari, Raa Atoll and Hoarafushi, Haa Alifu Atoll.
Furthermore, an additional 50-tonne ice plant was also established in Felivaru, Lhaviyani Atoll while another 18 ice plants are being developed in 12 atolls. The completion of the projects would see production increase to 15,000 tonnes per month, which the president described as a significant improvement to the sector. He also spoke about the importance of increasing the production of value-added products.
In addition to the official ceremony held to mark this year’s National Fishermen’s Day, a number of activities were held in Gaafaru to mark the occasion. Vice President Faisal Naseem, cabinet ministers, and other government officials were present at the official ceremony.