Sun Siyam Group Chairman Ahmed Siyam Mohamed. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadeem)
Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, the president of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and parliamentary representative for Dh. Meedhoo constituency has emphasized the need to support individuals engaged in food production and ensuring they have a sufficient form of income.
In an address to the nation on Thursday on the occasion of World Food Day, Siyam conveyed greetings on the occasion to the general public and members of MDA.
Siyam stated that the primary goals of marking the occasion at an international level are to raise awareness about global famine, challenges in food accessibility, and food safety, while also promoting efforts toward a future where everyone has access to adequate food.
The theme for this year’s World Food Day is ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future’.
Siyam, in his address, underscored the importance of the theme.
In this regard, he emphasized that the top priority on such occasions should be to ensure that the food we consume is healthy and produced in accordance with the best practices. He also called for join efforts in ensuring that healthy food is easily accessible to all.
“I note that the government and relevant stakeholders must make greater efforts to identify the obstacles faced by food producers in the Maldives when it comes to accessing markets and remove these obstacles to enable easier marketing of their products and pave way for a sufficient source of income for them,” he said.
Siyam also urged against the use of harmful chemicals in food production that pose risks to human health. In this regard, he advocated for the use of environmentally friendly and health-conscious resources, noting that easier access to such resources would pave the way to roll out Maldivian products to the market more effectively.
“While individuals engaged in food production serve as a vital bone of our economy, it is our collective responsibility to encourage such individuals and ensure a sufficient source of income for them,” he added.
Siyam cited upholding food safety and quality as a matter that should be regarded as a national priority. On this note, he called upon relevant authorities to strengthen the legal framework on food safety and security and implement these laws.
Concluding his address, Siyam, citing food security is closely tied to national security, called on the private sector and all government agencies to collaborate in promoting food safety and increasing productivity. He also highlighted the importance of striving toward making Maldives self-sufficient in food production and ensuring easy access to healthy food for all.