The government has decided to distribute a bag of flour and rice to every household in the country for the upcoming month of Ramadan.
Speaking to reporters after concluding his state visit to China, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said each household is set to receive a 10kg bag of these staple food items in time for the holy month. He emphasized that this initiative was just the beginning, and said more support would be provided to the public in the coming year as Maldives continues to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on specific countries for essential provisions.
The Maldives mainly imports staple foods from neighboring India.
The president said under efforts to end dependency on a single country for the import of staple foods, an agreement has been signed with Turkey. This agreement includes 10 percent more than the country's annual requirement for staple foods.
"The first shipment of flour has already been ordered and is expected to arrive in February. Additionally, arrangements have been made for the import of sugar, onions, eggs, and garlic from various countries," stated the President.
The President further revealed that an agreement had been signed with the Chinese government to further expand agriculture in the Maldives and ensure food security.
