Maldives Empowers Local Farmers with International Training in Sri-Lanka

The Maldivian government has taken a major step toward strengthening national food security by dispatching a delegation of 52 local farmers to Sri Lanka for an intensive, advanced agricultural training programme

The initiative, the largest overseas agricultural training programme ever opened to the public, reflects a strategic shift toward modernising the country’s farming sector and reducing its heavy dependence on imported food

The training forms a key component of the Maldives Agribusiness Program (MAP), a collaborative project between the Maldivian government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a United Nations agency focused on reducing rural poverty

Participants were mainly selected from the northern atolls of Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani, ensuring that the knowledge gained through international exposure directly benefits grassroots agricultural communities and supports long-term national food security goals

The 12-day “Advanced Horticulture Exposure Training Program,” held from 2 to 13 February 2026, is focused on introducing participants to contemporary cultivation practices. The programme places strong emphasis on, Hands-on cultivation of high-value horticultural crops, Climate-adaptive farming techniques tailored to the unique environmental conditions of island nations

As one of the world’s most import-reliant nations, the Maldives remains highly exposed to global supply chain disruptions, climate-related risks, and volatile food prices. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare is prioritising the development of local expertise to strengthen domestic food production

By equipping farmers with modern skills and technical knowledge, the government aims to establish a more resilient agricultural system capable of withstanding external shocks while ensuring a stable food supply across the islands