Fisheries and Agricultural Minister, Dr.Mohamed Shainee have said that the government has agricultural programs being conducted in 5 islands even now to ensure, food security in Maldives.
Speaking to Miadhu News, Dr.Shainee said that the purpose of this program is to prevent food shortage in Maldives in case of an unforeseen circumstance like a natural disaster. He said that so far the program is being conducted in 5 islands of Ha atoll but they will extend the programs to the whole country.
Dr.Shainee said that under this program, farmers will grow sweet potato, breadfruit, cassava, yam and other such varieties that grow easily in Maldives. He said that in addition, trees like drumstick trees will be grown, which are beneficial to health. He further said that some islands where taro is grown extensively, are facing problems with their taro fields and that the government is looking into it.
Since Maldives is able to get staple food items like flour and rice easily now, people do not work that much to grow items like sweet potato, breadfruit and cassava, millet. Hence these products are often imported to the Maldives.
Agricultural activities started in 5 islands to ensure food security
