The Government plans to expand the VilunVeshi programme, which gives students hands-on experience in modern farming within the school environment, to schools across the Maldives, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef has said.

Speaking to State media, Minister Shareef said the programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Skills Development. He said its main objective is to strengthen food security by giving students practical knowledge and experience in modern farming methods and technologies within the school environment.

The programme establishes school gardens where students can learn and gain practical experience in modern farming using contemporary agricultural technologies. Students are introduced to concepts such as greenhouse farming, hydroponics, and vertical farming, while also being allowed to apply what they learn through hands-on activities.

Minister Shareef said one of the programme's key objectives is to move beyond classroom learning by allowing students to gain practical experience in modern farming techniques.

"Beyond classroom learning, we want students to gain practical experience and inspire them to see that modern agriculture is already being practised in the Maldives and can continue to grow. The aim is to prepare the next generation by helping them understand the opportunities and benefits this sector offers," he said.

He said the Government plans to expand the programme to more schools in Malé and across the atolls by establishing similar school gardens, allowing more students to gain practical experience linked to what they learn in the classroom.

The first school garden established under the programme was opened at Hiriya School in Malé. Named “Garden of Growth”, the garden has been designed to provide students with practical experience in modern farming methods.

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy said the garden has been equipped to allow students to experience modern agricultural techniques in a practical setting as part of the VilunVeshi programme.