The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has invited public and stakeholder input on the development of a Coconut Development Centre in Alifu Dhaalu Ariyadhoo. 

Following a Cabinet decision, Aiyadhoo has been placed under the Ministry’s jurisdiction to serve as the hub for this programme. The Coconut Development Centre will comprise of nurseries to cultivate high-quality coconut palms to ensure a sustainable supply of coconut varieties across the islands. 

The Ministry outlined that beyond cultivation, the Centre will also contribute to food security in the Maldives by supporting the growth of coastal plants and shrubbery. The Centre will also conduct adaptive research to identify diseases affecting coconut palms and explore biological control methods as part of a long-term sustainability plan. 

These initiatives come as part of the Administration’s efforts to revive the declining coconut palm population in the Maldives. In this regard, the Government is also actively seeking foreign investors to provide technical and financial assistance to establish the Centre. The operational and management costs of running the Centre are also expected to be covered through such investment partnerships. 

The Ministry has opened the project for public consultation to ensure inclusivity. As such, interested individuals, associations,  and companies are encouraged to register and provide feedback on the development and operation of the Centre. 

Across the Maldives, the coconut palm population continues to experience an aging crisis with many trees deemed past their peak productivity.The Coconut Development Centre in Ariyadhoo is a long-term revival initiative by the Government that aims to restore coconut farming and strengthen food security in the Maldives.