Maldives taps Chinese expertise to fight tree diseases
Scientific partnership targets tree diseases and destructive coconut pests as Maldives works to strengthen food security and agricultural resilience
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives is deploying Chinese-backed scientific expertise to combat tree diseases and invasive pests threatening crops and coconut palms across the archipelago, part of a broader effort to strengthen food security and protect agriculture in one of the world’s most environmentally vulnerable island nations.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources said research conducted with specialists from the Environment and Plant Protection Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences has begun producing practical solutions for diseases affecting trees and other plants in the country.
Officials said the collaboration focuses on diagnosing plant diseases, improving treatment methods and controlling pests that have damaged vegetation across several islands. The findings are now being prepared for wider deployment in areas where outbreaks are most severe.
Agriculture Minister Ahmed Shiyam said one of the government’s priorities is tackling a widespread coconut palm infestation locally known as “Ruku Madi,” which has affected trees across the country. Assessments are underway to identify the hardest-hit islands before treatment programs are expanded.
Research supporting the initiative is being carried out at the government’s Agriculture Center in Hanimaadhoo, where scientists are analyzing plant samples and evaluating treatment options developed through the partnership.
As part of the program, Chinese experts have also supplied systemic pesticides to control destructive pests, including the white beetle and the coconut hispid beetle, both of which can severely damage coconut palms.
Training sessions on the safe use of the treatments have already been conducted for local communities on several islands.
To improve long-term disease surveillance, the Maldives has established its first national laboratory dedicated to diagnosing plant diseases. Officials say the facility will strengthen agricultural research, improve pest detection, enhance biosecurity and help reduce technical gaps that have limited disease management in the past.
The ministry has signed a formal cooperation agreement with the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences to continue research on coconut palm diseases and other plant health challenges.
Officials said a two-year action plan has been developed to expand scientific research while encouraging greater participation from private companies and state-owned enterprises to ensure the program remains sustainable.
For the Maldives, where agriculture is constrained by limited land and fragile ecosystems, protecting crops from disease is increasingly viewed as an important component of food security and climate resilience as environmental pressures on island communities continue to grow.
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