The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources has begun distributing pesticides to island councils across the Maldives to combat a growing whitefly infestation that has been damaging palm trees in several atolls.

The initiative is being carried out under the Maldives Coconut Palm Tree Pest Control Assistance Project with support from the Chinese government. The pesticide, Yejiaching (acetamiprid + monosultap), was originally introduced to control the coconut hispid beetle but has also proven effective against whiteflies following successful trials at the Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Centre.

Distribution of pesticide packets has commenced, with allocations based on the number of palm trees on each island. H.A. Baarah became the first island to receive the supplies and has already begun spraying affected trees.

The ministry has instructed councils in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani atolls to collect their pesticide supplies from the Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Centre, while councils in other atolls will receive distributions from Malé. Additional supplies are also being sent to L. Kalaidhoo, GDh. Fiyoari and Meedhoo in Addu City, with nationwide distribution set to continue.