A nation’s sovereignty is unquestionably linked to food security: pres.

A nation’s sovereignty is unquestionably linked to food security, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The president said this in a written address released on Thursday, to mark this year’s National Farmers’ Day.

Noting that his administration accords the “highest priority” to policy reform and enrich the country’s farming and agriculture sector, he stressed that “empowering farmers and sustaining a productive farming sector is a key policy priority”.

He also emphasized that “a nation’s sovereignty is unquestionably linked to food security”, and expressed “full confidence” in the administration’s policies regarding the availability of safe food regardless of any conditions that may arise.

In the address, the president also announced that for the next three years, all land allocated for farming, including those assigned within the next three years, will be rent-free. Further, the government has also allocated an additional six uninhabited islands for investments in the sector.

Noting that the biggest obstacle for Maldivian farmers “is logistical constraints of transporting produce to buyers”, the president said that the Agro National Corporation – a 100% government-owned corporation established earlier this year – was established to devise an efficient solution to facilitate the sale and transport of fresh produce and connect suppliers and consumers.

Solih also highlighted that farming equipment no longer incurs import duty; loans and grants for farming had been designated through the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC); and, training programmes in the field had been increased and diversified through the use of modern technology.

While October 15 is celebrated as National Farmers’ Day, October 16 is celebrated internationally as World Food Day.

The president also extended his sincere felicitations and well wishes to all diligent farmers and all hardworking members of the food and agricultural sectors on these two happy occasions.

The theme for National Farmers’ Day this year is “Responsible Farming - Food Security”.