Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has stated it is crucial to introduce new technologies for agriculture development in small plots of land. He made the statement following his tour of the farms in Aidhoo, Baa Atoll.
Highlighting the increasing Maldivian population, Minister Hassan said individuals now have the opportunity to use technology for agriculture development in small plots of land. The minister said it is crucial to introduce new technologies to farmers in order to adapt to developing agriculture in small plots of land, especially in islands with high populations. Aidhoo is an example of farmers using low-cost technologies for agriculture development, such as preserving rainwater and renewable energy, he noted.
He said the farmers in Aidhoo use hydroponics for agriculture development, which results in higher quality produce adding all atolls have the opportunity to use uninhabited islands for agriculture development.
Farmers in Aidhoo initially grew sweet melons after they began agriculture development in 2016. Since then, farmers have expanded to growing lettuce, cucumber, and other types of agricultural produce. Some farmers have said the demand from resorts now exceeds production and that they are also planning to teach methods used in Aidhoo to other farmers.
The government has leased a total of three islands in Baa Atoll for agriculture development. The islands are Aidhoo, Anhenunfushi, and Maarikilu.