Ministry of Agriculture has begun distributing pesticide to councils across Maldives as part of efforts to control whitefly infestations affecting coconut palms.

The ministry said the pesticide, Yejiaching (acetamiprid + monosultap), is being distributed under the Chinese government-funded Maldives Coconut Tree Pest Control Assistance Project following successful trials at the Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Centre.

The move comes amid increasing complaints of widespread damage to coconut palms caused by whiteflies.

According to the ministry, pesticide supplies are being allocated to each island council based on the number of coconut trees on the island.

The first batch was handed over to Haa Alifu Baarah Council, where a programme to treat affected coconut palms has already begun.

The ministry has also issued letters authorizing the distribution of pesticide to councils in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani atolls. The pesticide will be collected from the Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Centre, while councils in other atolls will receive their supplies from Male'.

In addition, the ministry has approved requests from Laamu Kalaidhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoari and Addu Meedhoo to receive pesticide following reports of whitefly infestations.

The Agriculture Ministry said it is continuing to process requests from other islands and expand the distribution programme nationwide.