The Government has opened applications for the Aaruveri Matching Grant Scheme, offering financial support to fisheries, aquaculture and related businesses under a MVR 278 million programme.

Implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources in partnership with the World Bank-funded TRANSFORM Project, the scheme provides grants ranging from MVR 1 million to MVR 30 million, covering 40 per cent of approved project costs.

Proposals are currently open under five grant categories: fishing fleet decarbonisation, circular economy development, mariculture development, processing development and SME development.

The scheme aims to reduce energy costs in fisheries, promote sustainable production, develop aquaculture, strengthen fish processing and support small and medium-sized enterprises, with particular focus on women- and youth-led businesses.

Interested applicants can review eligibility requirements and submit proposals through the Aaruveri portal.

The deadline for submissions is noon on 30 November. The ministry said incomplete applications will be rejected.