Site for mega agriculture project switched from UTF to Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu

The site for a mega project announced earlier this year to develop an Agriculture Economic Zone (AEZ) has been changed from the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) to the Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu.

The UTF is the site for an India-funded project to develop a harbor and dockyard for the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).

In March, the Maldives Industrial Development Freezone (MIDFZ) and China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a large AEZ in UTF.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said at the time that 200 hectors of land would be reclaimed from UTF for the project. He hailed as a key initiative towards bolstering food security, economic rejuvenation, and minimizing reliance on imports.

The company charged with running the project, the MIDFZ, is a joint venture between five state-owned companies; the State Trading Organization (STO), Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

A spokesperson from STO told Sun on Monday that the project site has now been switched from UTF to Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu – which is also the site for the incumbent administration’s largest housing project – the Rasmale’ project.

The spokesperson said that the decision was made for logistical reasons, as the Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu is situated closer to the Maldivian capital, Male’ City.

He said that running the project closer to the capital also makes more sense as the greater Male’ area will have the greatest demand for agricultural produce.

The AEEZ project’s scope encompasses land acquisition, primary infrastructure development, establishment of agricultural industrial parks, and the creation of passenger and freight terminals.

Additionally, plans include setting up a vegetable and fruit manufacturing base, an agricultural resilience training facility, and a logistics hub to streamline distribution.