MIFCO's Fish Storage to Make a Big Splash - Capacity Set to Reach 14,000 Tonnes by Year-End!

In a move that promises to make a significant impact on the fishing industry in the Maldives, the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has announced plans to boost its fish storage capacity to a remarkable 14,000 tonnes by the year's end. This major development comes as a welcome solution to the longstanding problem faced by fishermen in weighing their catch.

MIFCO's CEO, Ismail Fawzi, shared the exciting news during an interview on PSM News' Raajje Miadhu programme. He emphasized that increasing storage capacity is the company's foremost priority at present. Under the government's ambitious project to develop MIFCO, numerous measures are being taken to enhance storage capabilities.

To realize this ambitious goal, MIFCO is implementing significant projects across different locations. The addition of 120 tonnes of brine freezing facilities in Kooddoo and a new fish purchasing facility in Thinadhoo are already in progress, with all required machinery already shipped.

Moreover, cold storage with a capacity of 4,000 tonnes will be established in Felivaru, efficiently resolving fish weighing challenges in Felivaru Kooddoo and Addu. Further developments include a 1,000-tonne cold storage in Thinadhoo, an additional 4,000-tonne cold storage in Kooddoo, a 500-tonne cold storage, and a 50-tonne brine freezing facility in Mulaku, and a setup of 1,000 tonnes of cold storage and 50 tonnes of brine freezing in Ihavandhoo.

As a result of these initiatives, MIFCO's storage capacity will soar to an impressive 14,000 tonnes, streamlining operations and facilitating the smooth flow of fish throughout the archipelago.

Additionally, MIFCO's capacity to purchase fish has also grown significantly under the current government's tenure. Already, the company has brought in two more vessels for weighing, with three more vessels soon to be added to their fleet.

The transformational expansion of MIFCO's storage and fish-buying capabilities not only promises to overcome long-standing challenges faced by fishermen but also positions the Maldives as a powerhouse in the fishing industry. With improved facilities, fishermen can now focus on their trade, secure in the knowledge that their catch will be handled efficiently and stored with care. MIFCO's initiative signifies a bright future for the fishing community and the nation's economic growth.