Pres: Will ensure uninterrupted supply of healthy food products at affordable prices

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to ensure uninterrupted supply of healthy food products commonly consumed in the Maldives at affordable prices.

State-owned company, State Trading Organization (STO) began the sale of bulk shipments of 23 essential food products, including fruits and vegetables, on Wednesday.

President Muizzu, via a post on X on Thursday on the occasion of World Food Day, said his administration is currently implementing measures to ensure uninterrupted supply of healthy food products commonly consumed in the Maldives in the market at affordable prices.

He cited his administration’s anti-tobacco efforts, including the vape ban and doubling taxes levied on cigarettes, as measures implemented to discourage the public from harmful eating and drinking habits.

“Healthy eating and drinking habits should be the highest priority when seeking to foster a society that is healthy and isn’t susceptible to diseases and ensure the well-being of children,” he stressed.

President Muizzu added that his administration is undertaking efforts on a national scale to raise awareness among the public in this regard.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet had approved the bulk import of 23 essential food items through the STO for sale in the Maldivian market on September 10 – in a move the government said was aimed at stabilizing soaring prices.

On Wednesday, STO began the sale of the shipments of these food products it imported under the new policy, which includes onion, ginger, carrots, lettuce, potato, cabbage, pumpkin, garlic, eggplant, apple, orange, bananas, lime, mango, watermelon, grapes, papaya, chili, chicken eggs, coconut, dhal, and turmeric.

STO said that the price of the goods was set based on the current market rates, and is subject to changes based on the market. However, the state-owned company has affirmed uninterrupted supply of these food items.

The move to bulk import the food items has been slammed by the opposition, who say the path to food security lies in boosting government support towards promoting local produce.