The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has stated that the government is establishing a biological control centre in Hanimaadhoo with assistance from the China, aimed at protecting trees from pests, especially the coconut hispid beetle.
The centre will breed parasitoids, beneficial insects that naturally kills harmful pests affecting trees. The project is being carried out with support from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) under an agreement with the Chinese government. A research team from CATAS visited the Maldives in 2024.
In a social media post, the ministry said the parasitoids required for the project have been brought to the Maldives from China. The use of parasitoids focuses on biological pest control rather than chemicals, with expected benefits including reduced pesticide use, safer agricultural products, and sustainable farming.
The ministry further said the project will help address ongoing tree damage caused by pests, and will support food security and the protection of economically important trees.