The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has signed agreements with the councils of 10 islands to establish agroforestry farms under the Government’s Five Million Tree Planting Programme, aimed at strengthening food security.

The agreements were signed at a special ceremony today by State Minister of Agriculture Mohamed Naif and representatives of the island councils, which have allocated land for the project. The initiative fulfils a commitment made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The farms will cover between two and four hectares each and combine trees with different crops, including varieties suited to both short-term food production and long-term cultivation.

The 10 islands are Baarah, Inguraidhoo, Kaashidhoo, Maafushtaa, Thulusdhoo, Veyvah, Isdhoo, Gemanafushi, Hoandedhdhoo and Fiyoaree.

The project is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy. The farms will use environmentally friendly, modern agricultural methods, with technical guidance provided by the Agriculture Ministry.

The ministry expects the farms to produce more than 400,000 seedlings for the Five Million Tree Planting Programme. The initiative is also expected to increase domestic food and timber production, reduce reliance on imports and promote sustainable agriculture.