In a strategic move to modernise the Maldives’ fishing industry and enhance economic opportunities in local communities, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has launched a hands-on training programme in Kudafari, Noonu Atoll. The initiative, which began on 18 May and runs through 22 May, focuses on equipping participants with the skills needed to produce value-added fish products and operate small-scale fisheries enterprises.
The training blends technical instruction with practical application, offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers both production techniques and business management. According to the ministry, participants are receiving expert-led guidance on processing a range of fish-based products, learning industry best practices that aim to improve product quality and market appeal.
A standout feature of this session is the strong female participation: of the 15 trainees enrolled, 14 are women. The programme is being delivered by seasoned professionals from the ministry and other technical experts, giving participants valuable face time with those experienced in both the fisheries and entrepreneurial sectors.
“This is more than a training — it’s an investment in community-led enterprise and the future of our fisheries,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources. “By empowering individuals, especially women, with the tools to produce and market high-quality products, we’re building the foundation for a more resilient and diversified economy.”
Kudafari’s programme is part of a broader national initiative aimed at boosting the share of locally caught fish that is processed into export-ready, value-added products. These efforts are central to the government’s long-term vision of enhancing the sustainability and global competitiveness of the Maldives’ fisheries sector.
Similar training programmes are being rolled out across other islands as part of this ongoing campaign to upskill coastal communities, stimulate local enterprise, and increase value retention within the country. The ministry has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that such initiatives not only improve livelihoods but also contribute to the sustainable use of the Maldives’ rich marine resources.
By focusing on both production expertise and entrepreneurship, the Kudafari training reflects a shift in national policy — one that aims to empower individuals at the community level while positioning the Maldives as a leader in high-quality, sustainably produced seafood exports.
