In an effort to facilitate a platform for local farmers to sell their agricultural produce in the Greater Male’ Area during the month of Ramadan, a decision has been made to develop a temporary market in the capital. The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry has officially opened applications for those interested in selling their goods at this market. According to the Ministry, work has already commenced on establishing this facility to ensure farmers can conveniently sell their produce at fair prices specifically for the upcoming holy month. The Ministry further noted that the market is being developed in the Male’ North Harbor area with the assistance of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).
The Ministry has issued a circular to local councils regarding this initiative. The circular highlights that every year during Ramadan, significant quantities of agricultural products from various islands are brought to Male’. Therefore, the current efforts to establish a temporary market are aimed at streamlining the sale of these products. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their expressions of interest to the Ministry through their respective island councils. When applying, islands are requested to include an estimate of the main agricultural varieties they exported during the previous year’s Ramadan, as well as the number of individuals from the island who wish to sell produce at the market.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture has published the operational guidelines for the temporary market. According to these regulations, goods can be brought into the market starting from the 15th of next month. The sale of any items other than fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the Maldives is strictly prohibited. The guidelines also specify that expatriates are not permitted to engage in activities within the market. The Ministry stated that the market will be open for business from 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM. Additionally, the guidelines mandate that the market premises must be vacated by March 26, following the conclusion of Ramadan.
Interested island councils must submit their application forms before the end of official working hours on the 29th of this month. The Ministry informed that applications can be submitted via email and further information can be sought through the Ministry’s official contact numbers during working hours. While work is underway to establish this travelers’ market in Male’ for Ramadan, similar efforts are also ongoing to set up a temporary market in Hulhumale’. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that essential commodities remain available to the public at affordable prices during this year’s Ramadan, consistent with previous years.
