MIFCO Launches New Ice Plant to Support Fishermen in Kanduoih-giri

The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) has commenced ice sales to fishermen in Kanduoih-giri, aiming to resolve long-standing logistical challenges in the region. The newly operational ice plant produces 25 tonnes of ice per day, ensuring that local fishing vessels have the necessary cooling capacity to maintain the quality and value of their catch. This initiative marks a significant step in MIFCO's broader strategy to strengthen its operational footprint in Kanduoih-giri. Earlier this month, the company inaugurated a dried fish processing facility on the island, which is capable of processing three tonnes of fish daily. This facility handles everything from receiving raw fish to producing cooked fish products, fish flakes, and final packaging. MIFCO has indicated that these developments are just the beginning, with plans to introduce additional facilities on the island to further enhance local fishing infrastructure. By integrating ice production with processing capabilities, the company is creating a more sustainable value chain for the island's fishing community. The expansion in Kanduoih-giri aligns with a national government mandate to decentralize essential fishing services. To mitigate the difficulties fishermen face in accessing ice, the state is continuing to establish ice plants across various atolls. Parallel to ice production, the government is aggressively expanding the nation's cold storage capacity. Currently, the Maldives possesses a storage capacity of 9,500 metric tonnes, but officials aim to increase this to 25,000 tonnes to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize market prices. To achieve this goal, construction is currently underway for cold storage facilities on four additional islands, ensuring that the fisheries sector remains resilient and productive regardless of seasonal fluctuations.