As part of the government’s efforts to address the challenges faced by yellowfin tuna fishermen, Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has begun purchasing yellowfin tuna from Kan’duoiygiri.

The purchase of yellowfin tuna at Kan’duoiygiri commenced yesterday. Under this initiative, tuna weighing over 15 kg is being purchased at a rate of MVR 25 per kilogram.

Following the start of operations, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam and MIFCO CEO Brigadier General (Rtd) Farhath Shaheer visited Kan’duoiygiri today to observe the progress.

Speaking to the press, the CEO stated that Kan’duoiygiri was brought back into operation within a short period due to the hard work and dedication of MIFCO employees. He noted that the facility was quickly prepared for fish collection and began purchasing yellowfin tuna yesterday.

“We have now brought Kan’duoiygiri back into operation and started buying fish from yellowfin tuna fishermen. Tuna weighing over 15 kg will be purchased from fishermen in this region at a rate of MVR 25 per kilogram,” the CEO said.

He also confirmed that skipjack tuna purchases have begun at Kan’duoiygiri.

Furthermore, the CEO stated that this is only the beginning. Cold storage facilities will soon be established, along with arrangements for fishermen to access fuel and ice.

Efforts are also underway to develop Kan’duoiygiri into a major fisheries hub, where fish can be processed on-site or transported to other MIFCO centers for processing, local distribution, and export.

While yellowfin tuna fishing remains a vital part of the Maldivian fishing industry, one of the biggest challenges fishermen have faced is the inability to weigh and sell their catch to MIFCO. The commencement of yellowfin tuna purchasing at Kan’duoiygiri marks a significant step toward resolving this issue.