Research is being carried out at the Hanimaadhoo Agricultural Centre to address the growing problem of powdery mildew affecting crops, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya.

The minister’s remarks came during the Ahaa forum on Monda night. During the session, a member of the public raised concerns about the challenges faced by farmers, including recurring powdery mildew infestations.

In response, Minister Dr Mariya said efforts were underway to tackle the issue. She noted that the Ministry had received plant fungicides from an agricultural centre in China, which would soon be distributed to islands across the Maldives. She added that research into effective control measures was ongoing at the Hanimaadhoo Agricultural Centre.

The Minister stated that the Government was also focusing on public awareness, highlighting that informational leaflets had been developed and were being widely distributed. She said the Ministry frequently received enquiries from various atolls and had been responding through printed materials as well as social media platforms such as X, TikTok, and Facebook.

Minister Dr Mariya linked the powdery mildew issue to wider concerns around climate change and food security. She said the Ministry was aligning its agricultural strategy with international practices, incorporating smart technologies to support sustainable food systems.

She also pointed to initiatives under the Maldives Agribusiness Programme (MAP) Project, currently being implemented in Haa Dhaalu, Haa Alifu, and Noonu atolls. These programmes aim to equip farmers with knowledge in soil technology, crop management, and marketing, she said.