National Agriculture Laboratory Officially Launched in Fuvahmulah

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-resilient development. 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 supports soil testing, plant pathology, entomology, and applied agricultural research. By providing reliable testing and diagnostics, it strengthens the foundation for safer food, improved agricultural standards, and more informed decision-making across the sector. The facility plays a critical role in supporting farmers and institutions with the technical services needed to improve productivity, manage risks, and adapt to climate-related challenges.

In his remarks, Mr. Adnan Cheema, UNDP Resident Representative to the Maldives, highlighted that the laboratory represents an investment in national systems, strengthening institutional capacity and enabling agricultural services that are responsive, science-based, and accessible to farmers across the atolls.

The facility was officially inaugurated during the ceremony, followed by an address by Her Excellency Mrs. Ishigami Rumiko, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, who underscored both the challenges and the importance of agriculture in the Maldivian context.

"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."

Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Dr. Maryam Mariya, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, emphasised the laboratory's role in modernising agricultural services and strengthening national food security. She highlighted its importance in supporting the nationwide rollout of Maldives Good Agricultural Practices (M-GAP), ensuring farmers have access to reliable diagnostics, technical backstopping, and quality assurance systems that strengthen trust in local agricultural production.

Developed under PDSAE Output 1, the National Agriculture Laboratory contributes to national priorities including food safety, import substitution, climate resilience, and improved public service delivery in the agriculture sector. By strengthening how institutions serve farmers, the facility supports long-term capacity development and reinforces agriculture as a key pillar of sustainable development in the Maldives.

The launch concluded with an official photo session, followed by a guided tour of the laboratory.