Nursery Opened in Addu Meedhoo Under Five Million Trees Programme

A special nursery established in Addu Meedhoo under the government's national five million tree planting programme has been officially opened. The nursery was opened by Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources Ahmed Shiyam, who visited the island for activities organised by the Meedhoo Council to mark this year's Farmers' Day and World Food Day. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar, members of the Meedhoo Council, farmers from the island, and senior officials of Ooredoo Maldives. The five million tree planting programme is an important pledge announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Its objectives include restoring plants and trees that are disappearing and endangered in the Maldives, increasing the greenery of the islands, and preserving the environment and ecosystems. The project was officially launched on World Environment Day in 2024. Financial assistance was provided on September 2 this year to 10 additional islands to establish nurseries for growing the trees needed for the government-led programme. One of these islands is Addu Meedhoo. Speaking at the nursery opening ceremony, Meedhoo Council President Ahmed Saathiru said that although 3.6 hectares of land in Meedhoo has been earmarked for agriculture, the land has not been used in the best possible manner. However, under newly established guidelines, land has been handed over to 130 farmers to date, he said, and land belonging to those who do not start agriculture by next December would be reclaimed and given to others. Saathiru said that the main objective of the council is to make Meedhoo a model in agriculture and an important island for the food security set by the government. He revealed that work is underway to bring 10 varieties to the market and said the newly opened nursery will bring many benefits to farmers. He added that in this nursery, in addition to various agricultural trees, other trees can also be purchased. After the ceremony, Minister Ahmed Shiyam inspected the nursery and visited the farms of young farmers in Meedhoo. The nursery has an office section and a special shop established to sell various items needed for agriculture. In addition, during these activities, the Farmers' Mosque renovated by Ooredoo Maldives was reopened, and a special tree-planting activity was also carried out in Meedhoo under the company's Grow with Ooredoo programme.