Despite the physical limitations such as lack of cultivable land, unfavorable climatic conditions and poor soil, a variety of food and cash crops are grown. Crops such as coconut, breadfruit, mango, papaya, lime, banana, pumpkin, water melon, taro and chili have considerable economic value.

The main market for agricultural produce is Male' and the tourist resorts. Large quantities of vegetables, fruits, meat and poultry products are imported, draining valuable foreign exchange. Hence, the government is taking measures to encourage and improve agriculture in the country. Such measures include coconut rehabilitation, pest control, and provision of extension services building new nurseries and maximum utilization of uninhabited islands.