In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and Agro National Corporation (AgroNAT), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Maldives continues to support good agricultural practices through the ongoing Project for Developing the Agriculture Economy (PDSAE). Supported by the Government of Japan, this initiative aims to fortify food security and livelihoods by ensuring access to affordable, safe, high-quality, and nutritious food, the latest venture of which was a hands-on training program in Good Agricultural Practices.

The opening ceremony of the Agri-Training Program for AgroNat commenced on July 1, 2024, at the Hanimaadhoo Social Center, with over 14 farmers from across the Maldives participating. Spanning from July 1 to June 25, this program is tailored to build the capacity of farmers with essential skills to improve plant propagation, nursery management, soil fertility, pest and disease management, and other essential techniques.

The primary objective of the training program is to empower AgroNAT staff with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance crop yields, and improve the livelihoods of farmers and communities in the Maldives. Through this training, which includes a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, fieldwork, and evaluations, participants will be better equipped to address the challenges faced in agriculture.

Mr. Hussain Didi, Managing Director at AgroNAT, highlighted their commitment, stating, “It is our responsibility to build the capacity of our farmers with necessary skills and knowledge to enhance agricultural practices and sustainability.”

The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Honourable Minister Dr. Maryam Mariya. In her speech, she emphasized the impact of such initiatives, stating, “Through projects like PDSAE, we can implement initiatives that will transform our agricultural landscapes.”

“With climate change and limited arable land, food production in the Maldives is increasingly under threat,” emphasized Pek Chuan Gan, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in the Maldives.

By providing advanced training, the PDSAE project is dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring a prosperous future for the farming sector. This partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing agricultural resilience, fostering economic sustainability, and empowering communities with access to nutritious food. Through innovation and collaboration, we strive to cultivate a secure and prosperous agricultural landscape in the Maldives.

As part of this mission, the delegation visited the Hanimaadhoo Agricultural Farm Center, an initiative led by AgroNAT. At this center, vertical farming techniques are being implemented in the Maldives, with experiments involving three types of vertical hydroponics. For the PDSAE project, the visit to the HAC vertical farm was valuable for understanding the concept, challenges, and potential improvements. The insights gained will be applied to the development of seven vertical farms under the PDSAE project.