Whitefly control programme launched as Agriculture Ministry distributes pesticides to councils

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources has begun applying pesticides to palm trees across the Maldives to address the widespread whitefly infestation damaging vegetation in several islands.

Whiteflies, commonly known as hudhu koodi, have caused significant harm to palm trees in multiple atolls, prompting a surge in complaints to the ministry. Officials said the ministry continues to receive reports of severe damage caused by the pest.

Under the Maldives Coconut Palm Tree Pest Control Assistance Project, implemented with support from the Chinese government, the pesticide Yejiaching (acetamiprid + monosultap) has been introduced. The formulation was originally supplied to control the coconut hispid beetle, but trials have shown it to be effective against whiteflies as well.

Experiments conducted at the Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Centre confirmed positive results in controlling whiteflies using the pesticide packets.

Based on these findings, the ministry has now begun distributing pesticide packets to island councils. Each council will receive packets proportional to the number of palm trees on the island.

The first batch was handed over to the HA Baarah Council, which has already conducted a pesticide spraying programme.

Letters have been sent to councils in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani atolls to collect pesticide packets from the Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Centre. The ministry said councils in other atolls will receive their supplies from Male'.

Additionally, letters have been sent to L. Kalaidhoo, GDh. Fiyoari and Meedhoo in Addu City to address the whitefly issue, with further distributions planned for remaining atolls.