1. The seaweed project has been successful in its experimental and pilot farm stages, and it is now time to start the commercialization stage. This can be done easily because of the availability of the seedstocks, and the effectiveness of the seaweed farming technology introduced, and the growth consistency of the seedstocks. The seaweeds are growing fast, almost at the same growth rate year-round.
2. Since the FAO funding of this project will end in June 1997, it is very important that modalities be activated as soon as possible to take over the function of the OSM and the MOFA and work for the development and commercialization of the seaweed industry in Laamu. A local company or corporation seems ready to take over. They should establish a buying station for seaweeds in Thundee village, preferably using the laboratory building that was originally meant for the sea cucumber activity. If they intend to buy wet seaweeds from the farmers, the company should build drying facilities around the laboratory building and also procure the baling machine, to be installed just outside the building. The baling machine should be protected from rain, sunlight, and trespassers by a fence and roof. Additional slabs should also be built around the baling machine. The pricing, frequency of seaweed delivery, and payment modalities should be discussed by the representative of the company during the workshop which will be held in Thundee as soon as possible and before the termination of the TCP project in June 1997.
3. MOFA and/or OSM should continue to provide technical and managerial assistance to the new company. The MOFA personnel (Mr. Ibrahim Nadheeh), who was trained by the consultant from 13 to 24 March 1997, should be assigned permanently to the project site to see to it that the development effort goes forward. The MOFA technician should work closely with the supervisor of the company.
4. There is no doubt that the potential of developing the seaweed industry in Maldives is great considering that the environmental conditions are suitable for the culture of Eucheuma. The MOFA should continue to follow up the progress of the seaweed farming project and eventually encourage joint ventures and other entrepreneurs.
5. The MOFA, OSM and the Company that will pursue the commercialization stage, should conduct workshops or training programmes for the villagers who are interested in starting their own family farm business. During the workshop, opportunities and problems should be discussed in order to avoid misunderstandings in the future. The villagers who are now working in the pilot farm should be given the first chance to become seaweed farmers because they are already trained in planting and caring for the seaweeds.
6. Procurement of post-harvest processing equipment - such as the drying racks, weighing scales, wheel barrows, drying oven for moisture testing - is essential so that the product can be exported according to required specifications. MOFA has a role in ensuring export of a quality product and might need to secure additional assistance at the beginning of the commercialization phase.
On March 26, Mr. Jadullah Jamael, Director of MOFA, called a meeting at his office. The meeting was attended by Mr. Hassan Shakeel, Senior Fisheries Resource Officer; Mr. Ahmed Shakeel, Director, OSM; and the consultant. The group discussed ways and means of sustaining the seaweed project after FAO terminates their assistance in June 1997. The MOFA technician, Mr. Mohamed Haleem, is already at the project site to take over the function of the ICEIDA/OSM expert who will be soon ending his assignment. There is a plan to activate a company or corporation “the Tropical Colloids Pte. Ltd.” to take over the commercialization stage of the seaweed project. This company aims at developing only about 3–4 hectares of cottonii farm in Laamu which can produce not less than 20 metric tonnes per month. As soon as they develop the expertise in buying and exporting of the seaweeds, then they will decide an eventual expansion of the operation by looking for a joint venture partner and also by encouraging more farmers to plant seaweeds so that the export volume can be increased.
A buyer (FMC-Corporation, USA) already promised to buy the seaweeds produced in Maldives but the minimum shipment should not be less than one container or 20 metric tonnes per month. The representatives of FMC will come to Maldives during the first week of May 1997 to visit the farm at Laamu as well as to sign a marketing contract with “Tropical Colloids, Pte Ltd”.
The MOFA, OSM and “Tropical Colloids” will plan and schedule the workshop for the people who are interested in farming the seaweeds in Laamu as soon as possible. It is important mat representatives of the three entities should be present during the workshop. An outline of topics to be discussed during the workshop is in Annex 1. The workshop should be held as soon as possible before the termination of the project in June 1997.
