Maldives has received agricultural equipment donated by Sichuan Provincial Department of Agriculture valued at 100,000 Chinese Yuan.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Maldives’ Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and Sichuan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Science on August 4, 2024, for assistance in further developing Maldives’ agriculture sector.
During the signing ceremony, symbolically presented a donation of agricultural equipment valued at 100,000 Chinse Yuan.
Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, on Monday, announced the receipt of 500 items donated in this regard. They include:
25 sprayers used to spray larger trees
100 test kits to identify the soil fertility status
35 controllers used to establish automated watering systems
340 test kits to test for avian influenza
According to the Ministry, the number of requests for help regarding pest infestations, like gypsy moths and whitefly, from islands has been rising each year. However, the Ministry noted that under the Decentralization Act, the responsibility for managing pest infestations on trees in public areas on islands lies with the local council of each island.
The Ministry underscored the importance of each island being sufficiently equipped to independently implement pest control programs.
As such, the Ministry said it has been decided that the sprayers donated will be handed over to atoll councils and city councils of all atolls. This is to ensure quick access to sprayers under circumstances pest control programs need to be implemented at residential islands.