Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated they have found a way to treat the disease caused by sooty-mold to coconut trees in Maldives.

It has been around five years since coconut trees across a large region in Maldives have been getting destroyed, which causes difficulty in picking coconuts as well.

Maldives signed an agreement with China last year to receive aid in finding a solution to the matter.

During today's press conference held at the President's Office, Minister Shiyam said that the solution to the disease was found via the analysis conducted by the laboratory that was specifically made for agriculture in HDh. Hanimaadhoo.

"We will begin treating and eradicating the disease from the trees very soon," said the minister.

The aim of the project with China that has been ongoing for two years is to protect the coconut trees in Maldives, known to be a source of food security and the advancement of agri-business. Work will also be done to control the spread of pests that have been harming coconut trees that have been imported into Maldives under the program.

The disease to the trees in Maldives are being caused by live insects. A black fungus named sooty-mold spreads on the leaves and bark of the trees caused by insect attacks, with trees becoming weak and some trees dying as a result.