The government has developed greenhouses in a dozen islands in the north of the country, amid a renewed push for climate resilient farming in the island nation.
The project is being implemented under the Maldives Agribusiness Program (MAP) jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The government has trained local farmers to cultivate cucumbers, melons, peppers and capsicums in these greenhouses, with 11 out of 12 greenhouses in operation thus far.
The dozen islands include:
Makunudhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Neykurendhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Nolhivaranfaru, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Vaikaradhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Kelaa, Haa Alifu Atoll
Uligam, Haa Alifu Atoll
Molhadhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll
Filladhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll
Narudhoo, Shaviyani Atoll
Goidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll
Foakaidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll
The Ministry has conducted a training programme for local farmers in Narudhoo in greenhouse farming techniques.
In addition to practical training, farmers had also received theory classes during the training programme.
MAP is a joint initiative between IFAD and the Government of the Maldives, spanning 26 islands across Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani Atolls.
The MAP aims to promote climate-smart, sustainable agriculture and encourage farmers to adopt modern techniques that surpass traditional farming methods.