The State Trading Organization (STO) is to open an agri-center at a time the Maldives economic growth has been severely affected by the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19).

The spokesperson for all things Covid-19, Mabrook Aziz revealed during a press conference on Thursday night, that the agri-center will open within the following month.

This is being done to develop the country’s agricultural industry during these trying times.

STO’s Managing Director Hussain Amru earlier revealed that farmers will get paid for the products sold through the establishment.

Amru is to have stated that the uncertainty in getting a consistent income is the reason the agricultural industry has not prospered in the island nation.

Speaking at the press, Mabrook stressed on the importance of enhancing the industry and highlighted that this is an additional opportunity for those who want to join the industry.

The government is going to initiate several programs linked to agriculture in the coming days alongside reducing the lease fees for agricultural plots of land to be issued. Further, the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has also formulated a special plan to boost agricultural businesses.

Under the initiative, STO will acquire products from local farmers and pay them immediately. Farmers are to register to be included in this initiative.

The agri-center is expected to ensure consistency in income to farmers who will be able to sell their products at a good price.