“Dhanduveri Manfaa” Agribusiness Matching Grant Program Opens Second Round for Northern Atolls

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has announced the opening of the second round of the Agribusiness Matching Grant Program under the Maldives Agribusiness Program (MAP), providing financial assistance to farmers and agribusinesses in the northern atolls.

Implemented in partnership with SME Digital under the “Dhanduveri Manfaa” initiative, the program targets farmers, agricultural non-governmental organizations (NGOs), small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and cooperative societies in Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani Atolls, where MAP activities are currently underway.

The first round of the grant scheme concluded successfully, with financial assistance awarded to 15 farmers. Building on that success, the second round will continue to focus exclusively on climate-smart agricultural production, supporting investments in greenhouse farming, hydroponic systems, and other modern growing media technologies.

Information sessions on the grant scheme will be conducted across participating project islands to raise awareness and assist potential applicants.

Under the program, eligible applicants can receive grants of up to MVR 150,000, covering between 30 and 50 percent of the total project cost. The remaining balance may be financed through personal contributions or through the Dhanduveri Nafaa financing facility. remaining balance may be financed through personal contributions or through the Dhanduveri Nafaa financing facility.

Commenting on the initiative, SME Digital Chief Executive Officer Badhurudheen Hassan described the program as an important opportunity for farmers and agribusinesses seeking to modernize and expand their operations.

“The Agribusiness Matching Grant Program presents a valuable opportunity for farmers and agribusinesses. By combining grant assistance with personal finance or financing facilities, the program helps reduce the financial burden on farmers while encouraging greater investment in productivity, innovation, and sustainable growth. Initiatives such as this will play a significant role in developing a climate-smart, environmentally sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector in the Maldives,” he said.

The Maldives Agribusiness Program (MAP) is a Government of Maldives initiative implemented in partnership with IFAD across 26 islands in Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani Atolls. As part of the project, Island Farmer Forum groups have been established in all participating islands, while ongoing activities focus on providing farmers with training, technical support, information, and financial assistance.

One of the program’s key components is the delivery of specialized training in 12 islands on cultivating cucumbers, melons, chilies, and watermelons using greenhouse systems and cocopeat-based growing methods.

The initiative aims to promote climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices while increasing awareness and adoption of modern farming technologies. Through these efforts, the project seeks to strengthen the agricultural sector, improve productivity, and encourage greater youth participation in modern farming.

Applications for the second round of the Agribusiness Matching Grant Program will be accepted through the SME Portal beginning 22 July 2026.

Dhanduveri Nafaa Islamic Financing Reopens

Alongside the grant program, the Dhanduveri Nafaa financing facility—specifically designed for farmers—has been converted into a Shari’ah-compliant Islamic financing scheme and will also reopen for applications on 22 July 2026.

Under the facility, farmers may apply for financing of up to MVR 2 million to support a broad range of agricultural activities. Applicants requiring additional funding to complete projects under the Dhanduveri Manfaa grant program may also access financing through the Dhanduveri Nafaa facility.

The combined availability of grants and financing is expected to improve access to capital for farmers and agribusinesses, supporting greater investment in modern agricultural practices and contributing to national food security and sustainable economic development.