Ariyadhoo to be used to breed genetically improved coconuts

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet decided earlier this week to have ADh. Ariyadhoo transferred under the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare to grow genetically improved coconuts under the national coconut breeding program.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting held on Sunday.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, Ariyadhoo will have a coconut development center, which will be used to establish nurseries for genetically improved varieties of coconuts, and to ensure the sustainable supply of different varieties of coconut seedlings to islands.

Ariyadhoo will also be used to breed different seedlings to run programs to breed beachside trees and for food security programs.

Agriculture Ministry said they also plan on conducting adaptive research to identify and find solutions to coconut diseases, and also implement biological controls for coconut trees.

The Agriculture Ministry plans on seeking foreign investments to cover the cost of managing the island.