Maldives- China Sign Landmark Agriculture Agreement to Combat Coconut Palm Pests

News

The Maldives and China have signed their first bilateral agreement in the field of agriculture, launching a major pest control initiative targeting coconut palms across the islands.

The agreement, formalized during a courtesy call on Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr. Maryam Mariya by Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua, outlines the Implementation Agreement for the China-aided Coconut Palm Pest Control Project.

Under the two-year project, Chinese experts will train Maldivian personnel and assist in developing a local processing facility. The initiative aims to create an environmentally sustainable framework for managing coconut palm diseases and pests, which are vital to protecting the nation’s agriculture and preserving its natural landscapes that support tourism.

The project specifically targets a live insect species responsible for spreading black moth disease — a fungal infection that penetrates wounds on the bark and green tissues of coconut palms. This infection significantly weakens affected palms and, in severe cases, can lead to their death, posing a serious threat to local food security and island ecosystems.

Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating:“This project prioritizes food security and sustainable agricultural development. It will remain central to our cooperation agenda.”

Minister Dr. Maryam Mariya expressed gratitude for China’s continued support, noting:“China has been a long-term valuable partner in the development of agriculture and other sectors in the Maldives. We look forward to strengthening agricultural cooperation and learning from China’s advanced experience in this field.”

The agreement marks a significant step in enhancing agricultural resilience in the Maldives, supporting sustainability goals, and reinforcing bilateral relations between the two nations.