Agriculture continues to play a minor and diminishing role in the economy, constrained by
the limited availability of cultivatable land and the abundance of cheap imports of vegetables
and fruits. The sector contributed 3.6% of the national GDP in 1995, but in 2000, the sector
contributed only 2.8%. Most staple foods are imported. Some of the products that are presently
farmed on agricultural islands in Maldives are papaya, watermelon, banana, chilli, taro, salad
greens, cabbages and coconut.
Apart from domestic consumption needs, the continuous influx of tourists will generate an
increasing demand for fresh agricultural products. With the possibility of commercial ports in
Northern and Southern Maldives, there will likely be increased demand for local agricultural
products, as transshipment vessels need to replenish their stores with fish, meats, fresh produce
and fruits to meet the dietary needs of the crew. There are thus, good reasons to further
develop the sector and to attract more local participation in the agricultural sector.
The consulting team is of the view that this sector has the potential for further development
to enable Maldives to become self-sufficient in some vegetable and fruits, save foreign exchange
as well as to provide alternative occupations to Maldivians who prefer jobs in the agricultural
sector.