Hussain Didi (Benjo), Chief of Herbs, Veggies and Fruits (CHV) at Siyam World Maldives | MV+ People

“Guests visit our micro-herb garden three to four times a week, often asking how we grow our produce and what fertilisers we use. They are always pleasantly surprised to learn that everything is grown organically. Many of our guests especially enjoy picking fresh chillies from the garden to take with them, and moments like these bring me a great deal of joy,” says Hussein Didi, better known as Benjo.

Today, Didi serves as the Chief of Herbs, Veggies, and Fruits (CHV) at Siyam World Maldives, where he has spent more than two decades with the Sun Siyam Resorts group.

After retiring from a 30-year career with the Maldives Police Service, Didi joined the company as security manager at Sun Siyam Iru Veli. His passion for gardening soon led him in a new direction, and he transitioned into horticulture, applying innovative cultivation techniques to establish hydroponic and organic micro-herb production at Siyam World Maldives.

Recognising the growing demand for fresh, high-quality produce across the resort’s restaurants, Didi successfully introduced the cultivation of watermelons, lettuces, micro-herbs, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables using sustainable, environmentally friendly farming methods.

Looking ahead, Didi hopes to expand sustainable agricultural practices across the Maldives’ hospitality industry, encouraging more resorts to embrace organic farming to provide guests with healthier, locally grown produce while minimising environmental impact.