The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has invited input from interested parties and the public for the planned development of a coconut development center in Ariyadhoo, Alifu Dhaal Atoll.
As part of the national initiative to revive coconut palm population in the Maldives, Ariyadhoo has been placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry following a decision by the ministerial cabinet.
Under the initiative, a coconut development center will be established in the island along with nurseries to cultivate high quality coconut palms to provide a sustainable supply of certified varieties of coconuts to the islands, the Ministry said.
According to the Ministry, the facilities planned for the island will also work towards ensuring food security and cultivation of coastal plants and shrubbery.
The Ministry will also launch adaptive research in Ariyadhoo to identify coconut palm diseases and find solutions including the exploration of biological control methods.
The government will be seeking foreign investors to provide technical and financial assistance to establish the center in Ariyadhoo. The operational and management cost of managing the village will also be covered through the investment, it added.
The Ministry has opened the door for input on how to develop and operate the center. The opportunity is open to the public, associations and companies to register and provide feedback on the planned project.
The population of coconut palm in most areas of the Maldives is facing an "aging crisis," with many trees past their peak productivity. The coconut palm revival initiative is aimed at reversing the decline and aid efforts to ensure food security in the country.