Discussions held regarding needs, concerns of farmers, guesthouse owners in AA. Thoddoo

Discussions have been held regarding the pressing needs and concerns of farmers and guesthouse owners in Thoddoo island of Alif Alif atoll.

As part of his ongoing six-island tour of Alif Alif atoll, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with the members of the island’s farming community as well as guesthouse owners of the island on Wednesday, where he was briefed on the concerns, needs and challenges facing their work.

The discussions held at Thoddoo Agricenter by State Trading Organization (STO) also saw President Solih questioned regarding fees levied as green tax from tourists on the island and when they will be received.

The members also highlighted challenges stemming from different electricity rates charged for small and mid-size enterprises on the island. The farmers went onto reveal that they have not been able to obtain farming equipment and resources at fair prices.

Listening to their concerns, the president said that his administration’s development plans will revolve around the island's flourishing local tourism and agriculture sectors. Currently, the Solih administration is working on a harbor extension project and a water and sewerage project has also been awarded.

After the project concludes, a road development project will also be initiated.

Highlighting that the government had previously slashed import duties on various agricultural commodities, Solih stated that it had been observed that farmers did not benefit much from this change.

President Solih also noted that he is thinking to provide farmers with low-cost high-quality agricultural goods through Agro National Corporation Ltd (AgroNat) or STO, allowing the state agencies to import duty-free farming resources to supply directly to farmers at fair prices, going on to state that he aims to extend the lease period for farmland after discussions are held with councilors.

Speaking to the guesthouse owners, President Solih noted that the green tax levied from tourists are used for environmental protection programmes and urban developments such as water and sewerage projects. With this being said, he said that a majority of levied green tax should be utilized for the development of that island, the government will apply this in practice.

During his visit, the president also toured the Thoddoo Agricenter where he examined the agricultural items cultivated from the Thoddoo farmlands. The president also toured the harbor development site.

AgroNat currently has 266 registered farmers.

President Solih first touched down in Thoddoo island as part of his two-day trip and is accompanied by a delegation of cabinet ministers and senior officials from the government.

He will also be visiting Rasdhoo Island, Ukhulhas Island, Mathiveri Island, Bodufolhudhoo Island and Himandhoo Island during the trip. During his visit President Solih will officially open the new mosque in Bodufolhudhoo and inaugurate the harbor in Himandhoo.

The trip will see President Solih engaging in important discussions with the island councils and Women’s Development Committees as well as important stakeholders including business owners, farmers, guesthouse proprietors and island communities.