The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has held discussions with the island council of Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll, on fisheries and agricultural development and plant disease control.
Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam met with the Dharavandhoo Council and discussed opportunities related to the fisheries and agricultural sectors, including the expansion of reef fishery. The council requested the ministry’s assistance in controlling plant disease outbreaks on the island.
The ministry, together with the Maldives Marine Research Institute, is running a Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme to train people in fish farming skills and encourage interest in the sector. It also aims to diversify the economy and create more jobs.
The government is working to control plant diseases more effectively. Under these efforts, the ministry is working with both local and foreign partners. Recent measures include agreements with China to help control tree diseases, and establishing a national laboratory for plant disease analysis.