President Mohamed Nasheed has said that a higher subsidy has been paid for fishermen, than the amount finalised by the parliament, by cutting down 50% from duty taken on diesel. The President made this statement while speaking at the ceremony held in Noonu Ken’dhikulhudhoo last evening, to commemorate this year’s Fisherman’s Day and Farmer’s Day.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President noted that the fishing industry was still one of the main income sources in the Maldives, highlighting the many on going schemes in the development of the fisheries sector.
In his speech, the President also highlighted the sea-cucumber cultivation programme initiated in Ken’dhikulhudhoo, noting the profitability of such aquaculture projects, apart from the fishing industry being based on tuna fishing only.
Reflecting on the agricultural industry of the Maldives, the President pointed out that the reduction of 20% of all imported agricultural produce has lowered the prices of produce in the market. In his speech, the President also underlined the importance of replacing chemical pesticides with natural means.
