Two ministries have inked a pact to create agroforestry farms across 10 islands to ensure food security in the Maldives and to support the government's 5 Million Tree initiative.

The Sarukaaru website stated that the agreement was executed between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, as reported by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy.

According to the ministry, the agreement includes planting trees on 10 chosen islands and establishing agroforestry farms there.

Ceremony for signing the MOU on the Agroforestry Project between the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare -- Photo: Ministry of Environment

Agroforestry is a sustainable approach that involves using land for cultivating trees, agricultural crops, and managing livestock in an organized way.

This system will enhance soil fertility, prevent soil erosion, and significantly contribute to environmental protection. Moreover, agroforestry enhances soil minerals for various fruits, vegetables, and tree planting, functioning as an agricultural approach that offers numerous advantages for farmers both economically and in terms of food safety.

The ministry declared that the initiative is particularly significant for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration in terms of environmental conservation and the economic advancement of the Maldives.

The ministry also mentioned that the project's primary aim is to enhance agricultural production in the Maldives and to create a sustainable system as part of their initiative to address seasonal variations.

According to the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources will provide 400,000 trees as part of the agreement to support the 5 Million Tree Project. The ministry further stated that through the project, they have secured agreements with island councils to establish 10 nurseries across 10 islands.