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Fisheries and Agriculture Sector

In the history of work in the Maldives, fishing has been one of the oldest occupations of this country. Fisheries activities still account for a significant portion of local employment. The majority of fishery workers live in the Atolls. In addition to fishers, others are involved in fish processing activities. This includes:Preserving fish by freezing, Preserving fish by canning, Preparing Chilled, Fresh and Salted dried fish for the export markets.

Fisheries and Agriculture in Maldives

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.

National Competency Standards from Fisheries and Agriculture Sector

Take a look at the currently published Standards in Fisheries and Agriculture Sector

  • National Certificate III in Sports Fishing Guiding

    Last Updated at: 2025-10-22

    Level 3 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate III and IV in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic

    Last Updated at: 2023-03-27

    Level 3 & 4 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate III and IV in Gardening and Landscaping

    Last Updated at: 2025-07-02

    Level 3 (.PDF)

    Level 4 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate I, II, III and IV in Fish Processing and Quality Control

    Last Updated at: 2025-10-22

    Level 1 (.PDF)

    Level 2 (.PDF)

    Level 3 (.PDF)

    Level 4 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate III in Agriculture

    Last Updated at: 2025-06-24

    Level 3 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate IV & Diploma in Food Processing and Preservation

    Last Updated at: 2025-07-01

    Level 4 (.PDF)

    Level 5 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate IV in Food Microbiology

    Last Updated at: 2025-05-27

    Level 4 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate IV in Food Chemistry and Toxicology

    Last Updated at: 2025-05-27

    Level 4 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate III and IV in Fats and Oil Processing

    Last Updated at: 2025-06-24

    Level 3 (.PDF)

    Level 4 (.PDF)

  • National Diploma in Marine Biology

    Last Updated at: 2025-05-27

    Level 5 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate III in Thermal Processing of Food: Heat, Temperature and Validation

    Last Updated at: 2025-05-27

    Level 3 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate IV and Diploma in Food Safety

    Last Updated at: 2025-07-01

    Level 4 (.PDF)

    Level 5 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate III in Fishing Masters

    Last Updated at: 2025-06-24

    Level 3 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate III in Boat Safety and Security

    Last Updated at: 2025-06-24

    Level 3 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate III in Refrigeration systems (RSW) for Fishing Boats (Masdhoani)

    Last Updated at: 2025-06-24

    Level 3 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate IV in Food Quality Assurance

    Last Updated at: 2025-06-24

    Level 4 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate III in Mariculture

    Last Updated at: 2025-06-30

    Level 3 (.PDF)

  • National Certificate III in Diving for Bait Fishery

    Last Updated at: 2025-07-01

    Level 3 (.PDF)

Registered Training Providers in Fisheries and Agriculture Sector

Take a look at the currently Registered Training Providers and the Registered Training Programs in Fisheries and Agriculture Sector at Maldives National Skills Development Authority

  • Maldives Polytechnic ↗

    Last Updated at: 2026-01-14

    National Certificate 3 in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic

  • Maldives Institute of Technology ↗

    Last Updated at: 2026-01-14

    National Certificate 4 in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

    National Certificate 3 in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic

    National Certificate 3 in Gardening.

  • Island Institute of Tertiary Education ↗

    Last Updated at: 2026-01-14

    National Certificate 3 in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic

  • Maritime Training Institute ↗

    Last Updated at: 2026-01-14

    National Certificate 3 in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic

  • The Maldives National University ↗

    Last Updated at: 2026-01-14

    National Certificate 1 in Fish Processing and Quality Control

    National Certificate 2 in Fish Processing and Quality Control

    National Certificate 3 in Fish Processing and Quality Control

    National Certificate 3 in Sports Fishing Guiding

Fisheries and Agriculture Sector Council Members

Take a look at the esteemed members of our Fisheries and Agriculture Employment Sector Council

  • Dr. Ahmed Riyaz Jauhary

    Dr. Ahmed Riyaz Jauhary

    Chairperson

    Dean, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, The Maldives National University

  • Adnan Ali

    Adnan Ali

    Member

    Industry Expert

  • Aishath Shazleena

    Aishath Shazleena

    Member

    HR Manager, Agro National Corporation Ltd (AgroNat)

  • Dr.Hussain Sinan

    Dr.Hussain Sinan

    Member

    Director, Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources

  • Maizan Ahmed Manik

    Maizan Ahmed Manik

    Member

    Industry Expert

  • Mifrah Naseem

    Mifrah Naseem

    Member

    General Manager- Sales and Marketing, Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd

  • Mohamed Rihvaan

    Mohamed Rihvaan

    Member

    Assistant Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare

  • Musthafa Abdul Gafoor

    Musthafa Abdul Gafoor

    Member

    Senior Policy Officer, Ministry of Economic Development & Trade

  • Shakeeba Ali

    Shakeeba Ali

    Member

    Director General, Maldives National Skills Development Authority