MDP launches agriculture policy: govt to buy, ship local produce
19 May 2013, 8:59 PM
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) launched its agriculture policy on Friday (May 18) in simultaneous events across 21 islands and two cities, pledging to establish a government-owned corporation to purchase local produce.
Speaking at a ceremony on the island of Kulhudhufushi in Haa Dhaal Atoll, former President Mohamed Nasheed said the Maldives could grow 44 percent of the foodstuff currently imported into the country, significantly decreasing its dependence on imports.
“God willing, when this policy is implemented, imported fruits and vegetables will decrease by 44 percent,” he said.
Of the MVR 245 million (US$15.8 million) worth of agricultural produce imported to the Maldives annually, Nasheed said, the country could produce foodstuff worth MVR 108 million (US$7 million).
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