Goidhoo Island Farmers First to Achieve Full National Agricultural Certification

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr. Mariyam Mariya has declared that the Maldives can develop a modern, internationally-competitive agricultural system despite the challenges of small island geography. Speaking at a workshop introducing farmers to the Maldives Good Agricultural Practices (MGAP) certification, Minister Mariya announced a historic milestone: ten members of the Goidhoo Island Pharmaceutical Forum have become the first in the nation to receive full MGAP certification, covering all five modules of the national standard. This achievement makes Goidhoo in Shaviyani Atoll the pioneer island in the certification program. "This is a historic achievement. These accomplishments show that farmers in different parts of the country can achieve MGAP certification with courage and adequate assistance," the Minister stated, highlighting the training of 50 farmers last year under the PDSAE project as evidence of government support. Addressing 55 workshop participants from 22 islands, Minister Mariya charged them to return to their communities as "ambassadors for positive change." She emphasized the dual benefits of the MGAP framework, which empowers farmers to earn sustainable livelihoods while protecting the nation's fragile environment. The Minister framed the initiative as critical for national resilience, describing the MGAP system as encouragement and strength to protect islands from climate change threats. The MGAP certification scheme is designed to strengthen food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and ensure locally produced food is safe, high-quality, and environmentally friendly.