Maldives Distributes 1,800 Banana Saplings to 11 Islands to Boost Food Security

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has distributed over 1,800 banana saplings to 11 islands as part of the 'Faiykeyo' cultivation programme. This strategic initiative aims to elevate the quality of domestic banana production and increase overall yields for a crop that remains a staple for local farmers across the archipelago. In the first phase of the project, 1,865 saplings and essential fertilisers were provided to Women’s Development Committees that submitted operational plans and expressed interest. The distribution reached Ihavandhoo, Maarandhoo, Thakandhoo, and Uligan in Haa Alifu Atoll; Kumundhoo and Vaikaradhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll; Bilehfahi, Goidhoo, and Maroshi in Shaviyani Atoll; and Maalhendhoo and Maafaru in Noonu Atoll. The government has set an ambitious target to increase domestic banana production by 50 per cent by the end of 2028. This push for self-sufficiency comes as the expanding tourism industry has driven a steady rise in fruit imports. To counter this trend, the ministry aims to reduce banana imports by 25 per cent over the next four years. To sustain this growth, the programme will establish dedicated banana cultivation zones within the agricultural lands of inhabited islands. High-quality shoots will be produced at the national tissue culture laboratory in Fuvahmulah City and sold to local farmers at discounted rates. Beyond distribution, the ministry is focusing on long-term sustainability through education. Special training programmes will be launched to equip farmers with modern cultivation techniques. Additionally, the government plans to introduce value-added processing methods to reduce post-harvest spoilage, ensuring more fruit reaches the market and increases income for local growers.