Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has issued a warning for a fungal disease that is spreading rapidly in coconut palms and other trees in some parts of the country.
In a statement, the ministry said a disease caused by common plant pests is spreading rapidly in coconut palms and other trees in the Maldives. The disease has also caused the spread of a black fungus called Sooty Mold which has weakened and has killed a few trees, the ministry said.
Furthermore, the ministry said the disease is not only affecting coconut palms and plants grown for agricultural purposes. The disease is also affecting garden plants and flowers. The ministry is making efforts to eradicate the disease. As such, the ministry warned against the rapid spread of the disease and said to keep plants apart from each other. The ministry also requested to notify the island council if a tree has been affected by the disease.
The ministry is working to protect the fields from such diseases and to familiarise farmers. The ministry has also begun the development of a national agricultural laboratory to solve the problems faced by farmers.