Application of a formulated treatment has commenced to resolve the spiraling whitefly infestation threatening coconut palms across the country, following widespread complaints regarding significant damage across various regions. To combat the crisis, successful trials occurred at the Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Center using Yejiaching pesticide packets, a treatment originally introduced to manage the coconut hispine beetle under the Chinese government-assisted Maldives Coconut Tree Pest Control Assistance Project.
Building on these results, work has begun to transfer the pesticide to all local councils proportionally based on palm tree counts, the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources stated. The pesticide was first handed over to Baarah in Haa Alifu Atoll, where an application programme has been conducted, the ministry noted. Distribution letters were dispatched across Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani atolls. Northern districts receive supplies from Hanimaadhoo, while others obtain them directly from Malé, ministry officials observed. Kalaidhoo in Laamu Atoll, Fiyoaree in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and Meedhoo in Addu City requested solutions, prompting handover letters.
Plant and palm diseases remain a longstanding concern, with ongoing government work. A delegation from the Environment and Plant Protection Research Institute, a branch of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, is stationed to find solutions. A national laboratory was established to eliminate research and infrastructure obstacles, strengthening biosecurity. Bilateral cooperation agreements have been established to control palm diseases, hispid beetles, and general plant diseases, the ministry concluded.