President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the government’s objective was to identify and produce staple food that can be grown locally. He made this statement while speaking at a function held last evening at Nilandhoo of Nilandhé atoll to mark the Farmers’ Day.
The President also said that the government’s policy was to reduce the import of food products by 20% within 5 years. Adding that the government had undertaken several programmes towards this endeavour, the President said the government believed that it was important to create awareness among the people on these programmes.
He further said with the development of agriculture, economic activities could be further enhanced in the Maldives. President also stressed the importance of becoming more self-sufficient in the field of agriculture.
Stressing the acute shortage of land and water in the country, the President said we must expand the use of technology such as hydroponics to help develop and diversify the agricultural sector.
At the function, the President launched a CD about common plant diseases and a book titled Names of Trees in the Maldives.
The President returned in Male’ this morning after concluding his visit to Nilandhoo.
