The deadline to apply for the second round of the Dhanduveri Manfaa agribusiness matching grant is tomorrow, SME Digital has announced.

The scheme, run in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), targets farmers and agricultural associations in three northern atolls: Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu and 26 islands in Shaviyani Atoll covered by the Maldives Agribusiness Programme (MAP).

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cooperative societies are also eligible to apply.

Eligible applicants can receive a grant covering 30 to 50 per cent of their total project costs, with a maximum grant of MVR 150,000.

SME Digital said applications have shown strong interest, particularly in climate-smart farming initiatives such as greenhouses and hydroponic systems.

The company is currently evaluating applications before proceeding with grant disbursements to successful applicants.

While the second round of grant applications is closing, applications for Dhandu Nafaa financing, offered to farmers under Islamic finance principles, remain open.