Government to Establish Biological Control Centre in Hanimaadhoo

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has announced plans to establish a biological control centre in Hanimaadhoo with assistance from China, aimed at protecting trees from pests, particularly the coconut hispid beetle.

The facility will focus on breeding parasitoids, which are beneficial insects that naturally eliminate harmful pests affecting trees. The project is being implemented with support from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences under an agreement with the Chinese government. A research team from the organisation visited the Maldives in 2024 as part of the collaboration.

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The ministry stated that the parasitoids required for the initiative have already been brought to the Maldives from China. The approach prioritises biological pest control methods over chemical treatments, with expected outcomes including reduced pesticide use, safer agricultural produce, and more sustainable farming practices.

According to the ministry, the project is expected to address ongoing damage to trees caused by pests, while contributing to food security and the protection of economically significant crops.