Fifth Day of Ramadan Sees Watermelon as Top Cleared Item at MPL

Watermelon was recorded as the most cleared commodity at the Male’ Commercial Harbor on the fifth day of Ramadan, according to the latest statistics released by Maldives Ports Limited, as the port processed a total of 4,135 tonnes of cargo to meet growing seasonal demand.

Data shows that on March 22nd, 295 consignments totaling 4,135 tonnes were cleared, reflecting the continued influx of essential food supplies and fresh produce into the capital during the holy month.

Watermelon accounted for the highest volume among cleared items, highlighting its strong demand during Ramadan when fresh fruits remain a staple component of iftar tables across the country.

The breakdown of the items cleared on that day is as follows:

Watermelon: 3,796 packages
Bananas: 1,004 packages
Eggs: 1,580 packages
Pineapple: 1,478 packages
Tomatoes: 1,062 packages
Cabbage: 1,092 packages
Potatoes: 939 packages
Onions: 518 packages
Eggplants: 257 packages
Melon: 258 packages

The Male’ Commercial Harbor traditionally experiences a notable surge in cargo volumes during Ramadan, particularly perishable food items required by retailers, wholesalers and food distribution networks.

To manage this seasonal increase efficiently, MPL stated that its operational teams are working continuously to facilitate the swift clearance of food supplies. As part of these efforts to expedite the handling of perishables, the company has established a dedicated 3,000 square foot sheltered cargo handling area designed to improve processing speed while protecting goods from environmental exposure.

The steady flow of food cargo during Ramadan underscores the critical role of MPL in maintaining supply chains and ensuring timely availability of fresh produce for businesses and households nationwide.