We will reduce the rent for agricultural land on Ufulandhoo and facilitate easier farming opportunities for local growers: President-elect Shiham

The President-elect of the R. Maduvvari Council, Hussain Shiham, has pledged to reduce land lease rates on the island of Ufulandhoo and facilitate easier access for farmers to cultivate their crops.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially designated R. Ufulandhoo as part of R. Maduvvari on February 18, 2025. Following this decision, a significant number of residents have begun utilizing the island for agricultural purposes.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fashaairu" program regarding these efforts, Shiham stated that while seasonal farming is practiced in Ufulandhoo, the work is hindered by numerous challenges.

Shiham stated that Ufulandhoo lacks proper docking facilities, making it extremely difficult for farmers to travel to and from the island. He further noted that these accessibility issues present significant challenges when transporting harvested produce off the island.

Shiham stated that arrangements will be made in the future to facilitate easier access to the island, enabling the purchase of fruits and vegetables directly from Ufulandhoo. He further noted that once these arrangements are in place, nearby resorts will also be able to visit the island to procure various types of produce directly from the farmers.

Furthermore, Shiham clarified that Ufulandhoo was not leased under the 'varuvaa' system and is not a rent-paying island. However, he noted that farmers are currently being charged high rents for agricultural land, promising that these rates will be reduced in the future. He added that this remains a significant concern for the farming community.

However, exorbitant rents are being charged. As Aamir noted at the beginning of the program, I served on the Maduvvari Council from 2010 to 2013. During my tenure as Vice President, the government entrusted our council with the management of the neighboring island of Fasmandhoo. At that time, we provided farming opportunities by allocating 5,000-square-foot plots to households. Back then, the rent we charged for a 5,000-square-foot plot was just 100 Rufiyaa. Now, we are hearing that 400 Rufiyaa is being charged for plots of only 3,500 to 4,000 square feet. When comparing current prices to the past, not only were we able to secure farmland for 100 Rufiyaa, but the government also provided all the necessary resources for farming free of charge.

Hussain Shiham, the President-elect of the R. Maduvvari Island Council.

Shiham noted that, unlike in the past, farmers no longer receive subsidies and are now forced to incur significant expenses to cultivate their crops. He stated that in an era of rising costs, efforts will be made to establish arrangements ensuring that farmers receive the full benefit of their hard work.