ADh. Ariyadhoo Transferred to the Agriculture Ministry for Coconut Development
Photo credit: MV+
ADh. Ariyadhoo has been transferred under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, which has announced plans to develop the island into a key centre for development of a coconut hub following a Cabinet meeting last Sunday.
Under the National Coconut Development Programme, a coconut development centre will be established on the island, alongside nurseries of genetically improved coconuts to supply certified varieties to other islands sustainably. Various mudslides will also be produced to help revitalise trees and plants in the valley, supporting food security initiatives.
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https://t.co/RYUVByjm0E pic.twitter.com/J035l9t7L0— Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare (@MAAWmv) March 12, 2025
Ariyadhoo will also serve as a site for adaptive research aimed at identifying and addressing coconut palm diseases using biological control methods such as live insects and fungi. To fund the island’s management, the government seeks to attract foreign investment to provide both technical expertise and financial support for the construction of the centre.
This project is considered vital, as many of the Maldives’ existing coconut palms are ageing, and the initiative will help address challenges in sourcing coconut species while enhancing food security.
