Maldives Agribusiness Programme Trains Senior Farmers To Support Greenhouse Cultivation
The Maldives Agribusiness Programme (MAP) has appointed and trained senior farmers from islands where agricultural training is underway through the establishment of model greenhouses.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, the senior farmers will be responsible for ensuring that good farming practices promoted under the project are consistently applied in greenhouses established by MAP and those managed by Island Farmer Forum (IFF) members. Their role includes overseeing daily activities in line with the crop calendar, monitoring checklist items, identifying areas for improvement, encouraging corrective action, and supporting IFF members in coordination with project staff and agricultural extension officers.
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At least two IFF members will be recruited from each island where greenhouses have been established, as well as from locations where new facilities are planned. Senior farmers will be selected from Molhadhoo, Kelaa, Filladhoo and Uligam in Haa Alifu Atoll; Kumundhoo, Vaikaradhoo, Makunudhoo, Neykurendhoo and Nolhivaranfaru in Haa Dhaalu Atoll; and Kanditheemu, Goidhoo, Bilehfahi, Foakaidhoo, Narudhoo and Feydhoo in Shaviyani Atoll.
The selection process takes into account the time candidates can dedicate, their ability to plan and manage greenhouse activities, their leadership in motivating fellow farmers, and their technical expertise in day-to-day operations. The Ministry has stated that senior farmers will be chosen in consultation with IFF members. Officials will visit each island to explain the responsibilities of the role, and volunteers will be invited to step forward. If more than two candidates apply, members will select representatives through a secret ballot. In the absence of volunteers, a notable participant may be appointed with the agreement of members present.
Senior farmers have completed training at the Hanimaadhoo Agricultural Centre and other facilities. The programmes covered topics such as planting media, plant biology, nutrients, pest and disease control, tree planting techniques, accounting, crop planning, checklist management, teamwork and leadership.
The MAP project has been introducing innovative farming techniques and conducting training programmes to promote and expand agricultural development in the Maldives.
