Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has launched a programme to cultivate mango farms in the atolls.
The programme was launched by planting 40 mango trees in a farm in Utheemu, Haa Alifu Atoll. The programme is similar to the ongoing programme to plant coconut palm trees across the country, as they are part of the government's efforts to cultivate fruit-bearing trees.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Minister Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan said the mango trees were imported from Bangladesh. He said that the mango trees currently grown in the Maldives are difficult to cultivate but the ones from Bangladesh are easy to grow and bear delicious fruit.
As such, Minister Hassan said the trees are expected to mature and bear fruit within 3-4 years. He also said that the tree planting programmes are important for the future of the Maldives and urged the local councils to take proper care of the trees and farms.