Government Launches M-GAP Certification for Farming

The Maldivian government has introduced a new quality assurance audit under the Good Agricultural Practices (M-GAP) certification initiative, announced Dr. Aishath Rameela, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, on Sunday. The M-GAP certification aims to evaluate and improve the quality of local farming produce, ensuring it aligns with international standards.

In an interview on the state-run Public Service Media’s ‘Raajje Miadhu’ program, Dr. Rameela explained that foreign auditors will review whether crops meet globally recognized benchmarks. This includes checking the use of chemicals, nutrients, and fertilizers in farming practices.

Shaviyani atoll's Goidhoo has already achieved M-GAP certification, a step toward broader implementation across the country. The certification process is thorough, requiring farms to meet specific criteria, including spatial requirements for crop fields and availability of skilled labor. Farms must also provide relevant information needed for the certification.

Dr. Rameela emphasized that the M-GAP initiative aims to enhance consumer confidence by ensuring that produce is grown with minimal use of harmful substances. This move comes in response to concerns about the quality of local food, particularly regarding chemical usage.

In addition to the M-GAP certification, the Ministry is launching an ‘Agriculture Census’ in collaboration with the Maldives Bureau of Statistics. This census will gather crucial data on farming and its economic impact, addressing gaps in existing information.

The Ministry has also signed key agreements, including one with the Chinese government, to research diseases affecting local palm trees and develop an assessment framework for imported wildlife.

Dr. Rameela concluded that agricultural expansion remains a central government policy, and these efforts are part of a broader vision to enhance the industry’s standards and transparency.