STO begins sale of bulk shipments of 23 types of essential food items

The State Trading Organization (STO) on Wednesday began the sale of bulk shipments of 23 essential food products, including fruits and vegetables.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet had approved the bulk import of 23 essential food items through the STO for sale in the Maldivian market on September 10 – in a move the government said is aimed at stabilizing the food prices and boosting food security in the Maldives.

On Wednesday, STO began the sale of the shipments of these food products it imported under the new policy, which includes onion, ginger, carrots, lettuce, potato, cabbage, pumpkin, garlic, eggplant, apple, orange, bananas, lime, mango, watermelon, grapes, papaya, chili, chicken eggs, coconut, dhal, and turmeric.

STO said that the price of the goods was set based on the current market rates, and is subject to changes based on the market.

A full list of the prices is available on the Economic Ministry’s portal.

STO said that they aim ensure that people have access to healthy food items at adorable prices.

The decision to import bulk shipments of 23 food items, including items such as chilis and watermelons that are homegrown, have sparked concerns from small businesses and local farmers.

Addressing these concerns on Wednesday, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed insisted that it will not affect small businesses.

Speaking to reporters during the ceremony held to announce the sale of the 23 food items, Saeed said that small businesses usually purchase products from wholesalers.

“Therefore, this will not affect small businesses. STO is regulating the prices and selling at a fair price. The STO offers arrangements for businesses for wholesale purchases,” he said.

Saeed said that he believes identifying essential food items have having it imported through STO to be the best method.

Importers and wholesalers can partner with STO to import essential commodities, he said.

President Muizzu has previously said that the bulk import of 23 types of essential food items is part of his administration’s efforts to bolster food security in the Maldives.

However, the move is slammed by the opposition, who say the path to food security lies in boosting government support towards promoting local produce.