China has donated machinery and test kits to Maldivian farmers.

This was announced in a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The ministry said that Some machineries and test kits for the farmers of the country on behalf China's Agricultural and Rural Affairs was donated during a trade and investment conference held by The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to expand trade relations between Sichuan Province and Maldives.

The items, worth 100,000 Chinese yuan, were symbolically handed over to Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr. Aishath Rameela.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed  between the Government of Maldives and the Sichuan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences of China regarding assistance and cooperation in agricultural development in Maldives.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Ali Amir, Director at Ministry of Agricultural and Animal Welfare on behalf of the country. Chief Agronomist Shu Bin of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and President Mu Jingui of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences signed the agreement on behalf of China.

The objectives of this MoU include:

1) Introduce new varieties of leaves, vegetables and fruits that are easily grown in the environment of Maldives

2) Provide technical assistance and demonstration

3) Advice and guidance on modern technologies related to sustainable agricultural development

4) Facilitate participation in training programmes, workshops and seminars for the exchange of information between specialists and scientists of protected agriculture

The MoU also includes regional or international cooperation in various fields related to the development of agriculture in Maldives, said the Agricultural Ministry.