Second Round of "Dhanduveri Manfaa" Agribusiness Matching Grant Opens for Northern Atoll Farmers, Offering Up to MVR 150,000

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), continuing the initiative's mission to provide vital financial assistance to farmers across the northern atolls.

Implemented in partnership with SME Digital under the "Dhanduveri Manfaa" initiative, the program targets farmers, agricultural NGOs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and cooperative societies operating in Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani Atolls, where MAP activities are currently being carried out.

Building on a Successful First Round

The first round of the grant program concluded successfully, with grants awarded to 15 farmers, setting a strong foundation for the programme's continued rollout. Similar to the first round, this second phase remains exclusively focused 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 the participating project islands, ensuring farmers have access to the guidance and support needed to apply with confidence.

Grant Details and Financing Support

Under the program, eligible applicants may receive a grant of up to MVR 150,000, covering between 30% and 50% of the total project cost. Applicants are able to finance the remaining project cost through self-finance or by accessing additional financing through the Dhanduveri Nafaa facility, giving farmers flexibility in how they fund the balance of their agricultural projects.

Reducing the Financial Burden on Farmers

Commenting on the program, Badhurudheen Hassan, CEO of SME Digital, said, "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."

About the Maldives Agribusiness Program

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 program, Island Farmer Forum groups have been established in all participating islands, with ongoing efforts focused on providing training, information, and financial assistance in agriculture and related sectors.

A key component of the program is the delivery of technical training in 12 islands on the cultivation of cucumbers, melons, chilies, and watermelons using greenhouse systems and cocopeat-based growing methods, equipping farmers with modern techniques to improve yield and sustainability.

The program 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 and encourage greater youth participation in modern farming, building a more resilient and future-ready agricultural workforce.

Applications open through the SME Portal from 22nd July 2026.

Dhanduveri Nafaa Financing

In a related development, the Dhanduveri Nafaa financing facility, specifically designed for farmers, has been converted to Islamic Financing and will reopen for applications on 22nd July 2026.

Under this financing, farmers may apply for up to MVR 2 million to support a wide range of agricultural activities. Applicants seeking additional funding to complete projects under the Dhanduveri Manfaa Agribusiness Matching Grant Program may also access financing through the Dhanduveri Nafaa facility, providing a complementary pathway to fully fund their agricultural ventures.