First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed has called for the development of a sustainable, climate-smart agricultural sector capable of withstanding natural disasters. She made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the Climate Resilient Agriculture for Food Security in the Maldives Conference.

Speaking at the conference, the First Lady stressed the importance of capacity building for farmers in sustainable farming practices to enhance resilience against climate impacts. She also highlighted the need for increased investment in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, she noted that chemical-ridden fertilisers, while promoting short-term growth, can hinder sustainable and climate-friendly agricultural practices in the long run.

The First Lady also underscored the importance of ensuring that local farmers, entrepreneurs, and communities have access to the latest information and technological advancements. She emphasized that adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture could revolutionize farming by enhancing precision, optimizing resource use, and boosting productivity, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Additionally, she highlighted the connection between food security and public health, particularly in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). She urged that food safety standards be maintained when formulating national plans to promote climate-resilient agriculture in the Maldives.

The conference, organized in collaboration between the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), brings together policymakers, industry experts, and academics to discuss advancements in climate-resilient agriculture and food security in the Maldives. The event serves as a platform to assess vulnerabilities, explore climate-smart solutions, and foster meaningful partnerships to enhance food security and resilience to climate change.