Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture, Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan, has announced the success of experiments conducted to suppress pest populations in trees using biological controls. The minister made this statement during a tree-planting programme held in Manadhoo, Noonu Atoll.
During the event, Minister Hassan highlighted the decline in revenue from coconut palm trees, attributing it to the prevalence of common diseases and pests. In an effort to combat these issues, farmers often resort to the use of strong chemical pesticides, but the minister emphasised the importance of exploring safer alternatives.
Furthermore, Minister Hassan shared that experiments conducted in the Maldives to test the effectiveness of biological controls, which involve introducing living organisms to suppress pest populations, have yielded positive results. He called for wider adoption of this method to address the pest-related challenges in the country. Moreover, he highlighted the potential long-term health risks associated with the use of chemical pesticides and pointed out that health experts have speculated a link between pesticide-affected fruits and vegetables and an increased risk of cancer.
Additionally, Minister Hassan urged individuals to refrain from using pesticides on the newly planted coconut palm trees. The government has imported 5,000 coconut palms and is overseeing their distribution to 11 islands across seven atolls under the supervision of the fisheries ministry. These trees are expected to mature and generate profits within a period of two to three years.