The Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MoTE) has signed a contract with SAS MA Pvt Ltd for the supply and delivery of a double-cab vehicle to the Hanimadhoo Agriculture Centre (HAC) to improve operational efficiency of the center. This is being carried out by the Climate Change Department under the Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security Project (ECRFS).
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ajwad Musthafa, and on behalf of the supplier by the Managing Director of SAS MA Pvt Ltd, Ms. Mariyam Madheeha. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Mr. Mohamed Anees, also participated in the signing event.
The procurement of the vehicle forms part of broader efforts under the ECRFS project to strengthen operational capacities at the Hanimadhoo Agriculture Centre. Under Output 3 of the project, which focuses on the promotion of climate-smart technologies and practices in the agri-food system, the ECRFS project supports the construction and development of a multi-purpose facility at the Centre. Planned developments include a training space, a basic laboratory for soil and plant pathogen testing, and office facilities. These infrastructure upgrades will be complemented by capacity-building activities such as training for farmers and urban home gardeners, provision of technical advisory services for urban farming and agribusinesses, operation of an advisory clinic, and the upgrading of demonstration plots.
The main objective of the project is to reduce the vulnerability of Maldivian island communities to climate risks by strengthening institutional and community capacities. The project is funded through a combination of grants, loans, and technical assistance from the Asian Development Fund, the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, the Ocean Resilience Coastal Adaptation Trust Fund, and the Government of Maldives.
Key components of the project include the installation of a weather radar system in Addu and the repair of the existing system in Malé; implementation of effective flood and coastal protection measures through nature-based solutions in Hdh. Kulhudhufushi; promotion of climate-smart technologies and practices within the agri-food system; and support for climate adaptation businesses and urban farming through a grant-matching scheme.