News DeskIn the remote landscapes of K. Kaashidhoo island, young farmers are quietly leading an agricultural revolution. Beyond cultivation, there is vocal advocation going on for technological advancements to bolster efficiency and cost effectiveness on this labor-intensive farming on the island. The young voices are lobbying for modern tools and machinery to streamline farming processes. The challenges extend beyond cultivation, with a lack of funds hindering transformative practices and leaving critical innovations like greenhouses untapped among the island’s 822 farmer community. In the absence of machinery, manual labor incurs costs in both time and expense on Kaashidhoo farms. There is a young farmer on the island who is a staunch advocate for greenhouse adoption, managing a 100,000 sqft farm with a five-member workforce. She asked not to be referenced.
Despite setbacks, including damages totaling MVR 100,000 during the last rainy season, there is a call for eco-friendly alternatives like seaweed, and to avoid and abandon harmful chemicals.
Agriculture is practiced on a small scale on the islands in the country, and fruits and vegetables for daily consumption are farmed on small plots. These are areas that need funds and technology, and the know-how is equally scarce. While the Agro Corporation provides fertilizers, it falls short in addressing the critical needs of farmers on small islands like Kaashidhoo.
“While we appreciate fertilizers, what we truly need is financial support and access to advanced technology,” emphasizes a young farmer. K. Kaashidhoo island has 822 farmers, representing a vital percentage of the island’s workforce. Through strategic investments and technological integration, there is an opportunity to cultivate high-demand crops, catering to the thriving resort industry. The island of Kaashidhoo, approximately 86.42 kilometers from Male’, captivates with its unique charm.
Covering an area of 276.8 hectares, with a population of 2884 people, it stands as a significant contributor to the local market. With 822 registered farmers, Kaashidhoo is renowned for its abundant supply of bananas, coconuts, and collard greens. Globally, agriculture has witnessed radical transformations, benefiting from advancements in machinery. However, small island farmers are relatively new to such innovations. Unfamiliar with hydroponics, greenhouses, diverse irrigation systems, and basic agricultural machinery, the need for basic awareness and education is evident among this community.
