Agriculture Ministry holds workshop on MGAP to promote safer farming practices

A workshop was held to familiarize farmers with Maldives Good Agricultural Practices (MGAP) and ensure the health safety of locally grown food.  

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare conducted the workshop on Sunday and Monday, introducing farmers to the MGAP standard.  

A total of 55 participants from 22 islands attended, including one council official and one farmer from each island. The theory sessions were held in Male' City, followed by practical training in A.A. Thoddoo.  

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Dr. Mariyam Mariya said the workshop was more than just a training programme, describing it as the start of a major transformation in the country’s agricultural journey.  

“MGAP is not just slogans on paper. It is an honor for our farmers, and for those who buy food from our markets, a guarantee of health security. It is also encouragement and strength to protect our islands from the threats posed by climate change. This is an international-level system of agriculture for small islands, proving that it can be achieved,” Dr. Mariya said.  

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in the agricultural sector. She noted that 50 farmers were trained last year under a UNDP project, and highlighted that the most notable achievement so far is the completion of the first five MGAP modules and certification of 10 farms.  

According to the Ministry, 10 farms in B. Goidhoo have already been certified under MGAP.  

While such workshops are being conducted, concerns remain about farming practices in some islands. In Goidhoo, residents have raised alarm over unsafe pesticide use. One citizen recently wrote to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health, noting that nine cancer cases have been diagnosed in the island’s population of about 500 people over the past five years, and urging stricter monitoring of farm practices.