Greenhouse farming has been established in 11 islands across Greater Thiladhunmathi region, marking a significant step towards introducing sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture practices.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has announced that this initiative is being implemented under the Maldives Agribusiness Programme (MAP), a collaborative effort between the ministry and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The program encompasses 26 islands across the northern atolls of Ha, Hdh, and Shaviyani.
According to the ministry, the primary objective of this program is to transform agriculture into an economically beneficial sector for the Maldivian economy while reducing dependency on imported food products. The initiative aims to enhance food security by enabling local farmers to directly benefit from their agricultural activities.
Previously, the greenhouse farming was limited to growing cucumbers and melons. However, under the MAP program, training sessions have been conducted to expand cultivation to include various other crops such as chilies and capsicum on an experimental basis.
The Ministry has confirmed that greenhouses have been established in 12 islands, with operations already commenced in 11 of them. The ministry has not disclosed the name of the island where greenhouse activities are yet to begin.
Islands where greenhouse farming has been initiated:
– HDh. Atoll: Makunudhoo, Neykurendhoo, Nolhivaramfaru, and Vaikaradhoo
– HA. Atoll: Kelaa, Uligam, Molhadhoo, and Filladhoo
– Sh. Atoll: Narudhoo, Goidhoo, and Foakaidhoo
Additionally, MAP continues to provide various training programs to familiarize farmers with modern agricultural techniques and support their advancement in the field. So far, more than 224 farmers have received training in greenhouse farming techniques through this program.
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