National Agriculture Laboratory Officially Launched in Fuvahmulah

The National Agriculture Laboratory launched in Fuvahmulah, strengthening national agricultural systems and food security.

UNDP Maldives

The National Agriculture Laboratory was officially launched in Fuvahmulah on 29 January 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening the Maldives’ agricultural systems and national capacity for food security and climate resilience. The facility was established under the Project for Developing Sustainable Agricultural Economy (PDSAE), funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP Maldives in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare (MoAAW).

Designed as a national-level facility, the laboratory will support soil testing, plant pathology, entomology, and applied agricultural research. By providing reliable diagnostics and technical services, it strengthens evidence-based decision-making and improves how agricultural institutions support farmers across the country. The facility plays a key role in strengthening food safety standards and advancing climate-resilient farming practices nationwide.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Adnan Cheema, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasized that the laboratory represents an investment in national systems that serve farmers and institutions over the long term, reinforcing public service delivery in the agriculture sector.

Addressing the significance of the facility, Her Excellency Mrs. Ishigami Rumiko, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, highlighted the challenges facing agriculture in the Maldives and the importance of strengthening national capacity.

“Agriculture in the Maldives is shaped by unique geographical and environmental conditions, including limited land availability, fragile soils, salinity, and increasing climate-related stresses,” the Ambassador noted. “At the same time, agriculture remains essential for food security, livelihoods, and economic diversification, particularly in islands such as Fuvahmulah with a strong agricultural tradition.”

Honourable Dr. Maryam Mariya, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, underscored the laboratory’s role in supporting the nationwide rollout of Maldives Good Agricultural Practices (M-GAP). She noted that the facility will provide critical technical backstopping for farmers across the atolls, strengthening agricultural quality assurance and improving access to reliable, science-based services.

Developed under PDSAE Output 1, the National Agriculture Laboratory contributes to national priorities including food security, import substitution, climate resilience, and institutional strengthening. By embedding scientific capacity within public service delivery, the facility is expected to play a central role in supporting farmer livelihoods and sustainable agricultural development across the Maldives.

This article is first published at UNDP Maldives website on National Agriculture Laboratory Officially Launched in Fuvahmulah

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