The government has temporarily halted the operations of Agro-National Corporation (AgroNet), an organisation established to support farmers and promote food security in the Maldives. AgroNet was created in 2020 during the tenure of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to market local agricultural produce and strengthen the nation’s food security framework.

An official from AgroNet stated that communication with farmers ceased on 30th March. In September, the government decided to dissolve AgroNet and transfer its functions to the Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone (MIDFCZ). The official confirmed that the transition process is currently underway.

AgroNet employs 182 staff members, some of whom are stationed in agricultural villages across the Maldives. The suspension of AgroNet’s operations marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to agricultural development and the support provided to farmers.