Fish exports were $69.1 million in 2003 which was an increase of 41% from 2002. Maldives is looking at further development of its fisheries sector, to increase exports and value added production. To support these developments larger sized boats and new technologies to improve fish preservation and storage are being explored.
The Maldives is divided into four fishing zones running north to south. Two of these zones are controlled by the Maldives Industries Fisheries Company (MIFCO). The other two zones were privatized. Within each privatized zone, two zone operators are licensed to collect, process and export tuna. The private companies have initially tended to concentrate on frozen fish exports, but intend to expand into more processed exports. Value-added facilities are now under development in both MIFCO and privatized zones to expand freezing, canning, drying and other processing capabilities.
Agriculture in the Maldives is not an easy area of work given the climate and soil conditions. However there are Maldivian agriculturists who are exceptionally successful.
The main crops in the Maldives are coconuts. Vegetables such as chillies (pungent bell varieties), cucurbits, citrus, and other tropical fruits and vegetables are also grown. The agriculture has been experiencing very slow growth and development.