Pres. Muizzu: Strengthening food security essential to Maldives' national resilience

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stressed that strengthening food security is essential to the Maldives’ national resilience and economic sustainability, calling for greater investment in local food production and sustainable food systems.

In a statement issued on his official social media handles to mark World Food Day 2026, the President highlighted the importance of building innovative, sustainable and resilient food systems that ensure access to safe, nutritious and affordable food for all Maldivians.

The President noted that this year’s theme, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow,” underscores how decisions and investments made today will shape food security for future generations.

On World Food Day, I wish to recognise the importance of building innovative, sustainable and resilient food systems that ensure access to safe, nutritious and affordable food for all. This year’s theme, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow,” reminds us that the choices we make and the investments we undertake today will shape the food security of future generations. By investing in innovation, expanding domestic food production and sustainably managing our natural resources, we can strengthen food security and secure a healthier, more sustainable future for our people. As an island nation, strengthening food security is essential to our national resilience and economic sustainability. We must embrace new technologies, improve local production, support our farmers and fishers, and protect the natural resources that sustain our livelihoods and communities. This Government has taken important steps to strengthen the fisheries sector, including ensuring payments to fishers within 48 hours, expanding fish storage and processing infrastructure, and introducing measures to support our fisheries sector as a whole. We have also advanced agricultural development through public-private partnerships, with projects initiated in various islands as well as encouraging communities to make better use of available land to expand local production, improve access to fresh fruits and create greater opportunities for farmers. We are working to strengthen local food supply chains, improve market access for farmers and fishers, and encourage greater investment in agriculture. By combining innovation with the knowledge and experience of our local producers, we can increase productivity, reduce dependence on imported food and and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of our food supply. Food security is a shared responsibility. By working together to strengthen local food systems and support our farming and fishing communities, we can ensure a reliable supply of nutritious and affordable food for all Maldivians. Let us work together towards a Maldives where our farmers and fishers, and their families, are empowered, local food production continues to grow, and every household has access to nutritious and affordable food.

— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) October 16, 2026

He emphasised the need to embrace new technologies, expand domestic food production, support farmers and fishers, and protect the natural resources that sustain Maldivian livelihoods and communities.

President Muizzu also outlined measures taken by the Government to strengthen the fisheries sector, including ensuring payments to fishers within 48 hours, expanding fish storage and processing infrastructure, and introducing initiatives to support the industry.

In agriculture, the Government has initiated projects across several islands through public-private partnerships, while encouraging communities to make better use of available land to increase local production, improve access to fresh fruits and create more opportunities for farmers.

The President also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen local food supply chains, improve market access for farmers and fishers, and encourage greater investment in agriculture to reduce dependence on imported food and enhance the resilience of the country’s food supply.

He called on Maldivians to support local farming and fishing communities, stressing that food security requires collective action to ensure a reliable supply of nutritious and affordable food.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also highlighted the role of individuals and households in strengthening food security, encouraging people to reduce food waste, support local produce and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.

World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to raise awareness about food security and promote collective action to address hunger. The day also commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which leads global efforts to transform food systems and improve access to food.