Hulhudhoo Today | News | Sports | Politics | Special Reports | Polls |

Meedhoo people, unlike rest of Addu, have been engaged in farming, either at home or on the piece of land obtained from the government, for the past two decades. I remember when I was a child people, especially Hulhudhoo, heading towards Meedhoo every day evening during Ramazan to buy fruits and vegetables. At that time there might be few farmers with limited produce and yet they had huge demand. However with the help of Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and increased number of investors in agriculture, today Meedhoo has the capacity to produce and supply vegetables to nearby resorts continuously; yet channeling their produce to the end-user is widely unknown.

Mr. Ibrahim Rasheed, 30, has joined Meedhoo farming population in late 2007 and today, he is one of the leading farmers and suppliers of agricultural products in Addu. “During last year we were able to supply 100kg of Brinjal alone to Herathera Island Resort on a daily basis and monthly yield from agriculture mounted to Mrf50,000” Ibrahim Rasheed stated. He explained “I was satisfied with the income generated from farming although my farm was run below capacity”. He further stressed “poor” market as the reason for running his farm below capacity then and quoted as justifying “if circumstances changes I would quadruple my productivity”.

Explaining the many problems Rasheed faces in the industry he said selling his produce below market rate, multiplying arrears and securing crop are inevitable. He said “as there are many local suppliers in Addu and elsewhere in Fuvahmulah, our produce had to be sold below market rate”. Agriculture needs continuous investment, season after season. “If we don’t get money for what we sell duly or in a month, then we wont be able to invest for the next season” he said. According to him there are unpaid bills pending for his supplies to Herathera Island Resort and other retailers in Addu. Securing crop is one of the biggest problems faced by farmers. Rasheed highlighted lack of constitutional punishment for continued vandalism on their farm fields.

As the ministry of fisheries and agriculture is encouraging farmers and farming in the country by means of training, subsidies and loan schemes, many people have started to enter into the industry. Local farmers have approached banks to obtain loans to reinvest in their farm. Since Ramazan is ahead, farmers want to cultivate as many varieties of fruits and vegetables as they can. Ramazan is considered a good season for agricultural products every where in the country and yield from its harvest hits highest point.

Investing in agriculture is essential. However as the economic downturn and global pandemic of ‘swinflu’ is affecting the economies globally, it is advisable for farmers to secure their market before clinging on spending huge amount of money on farming. Government authorities and ministry of fisheries and agriculture must pay greater attention on establishing means and ways for farmers to settle their problems peacefully. Unless these problems in the industry are correctly addressed, investing in agriculture is not feasible.

June 26 marks the UN's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a date which has been marked in the Maldives recently following the dramatic increase in the number of cases of drug abuse and its related crimes. The President’s radio address to the nation yesterday highlighted the government’s efforts to curb growth of drug abuse and trafficking and stressed on the issue of strengthening health services.

A rally calling for a permanent solution to the widespread drug abuse and trafficking problem in Maldives was held in Hulhumeedhoo on Friday afternoon. The rally was organized by the Seenu Atoll School (SAM) in association with Maldives Police Services and held to coincide with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. A stage show was also performed by Hulhudhoo youth to educate the youth and parents about the devastating effect of drugs and reasoned why to refrain from smoking.

Hulhumeedhoo councilors, Island Chiefs, other government officials, Police, students and teachers took part in the event. The march began at the Atoll School and proceeded through Bahaaudheen Magu to the both ends of Hulhumeedhoo, where students and others spoke out against drug abuse and its trafficking. Speakers highlighted that there is a direct link between drug abuse and growing social unrest in the society.

The trend of drug abuse and its trafficking in Hulhumeedhoo has multiplied in the last two years. The staggering number of fresh entries into this evil bewitchment in the island is frustrating. Government authorizes, police and other related agencies remain helpless in tackling and preventing its growth.

The drugs are gaining popularity among newly affluent young Maldivians who view the use of such substances as a status symbol and smart.

Hulhudhoo Office has awarded certificates to Heavy Load Maldives and to their Manager Mr. Abdulla in a special gathering held at Southern Point Restaurant last night. The certificate was awarded in appreciation of their help to protect 2.8 million rufiyaa worth sea wall that was build south east side of Hulhudhoo last year. Heavy Load Maldives is owned by the famous actor, reformist and MP for Hulhu-Henveyru, Mr. Moosa Manik.

According to Hulhudhoo Councilor Mr. Ibrahim Didi 27,432m³ of earth was plunked to fill the gap between the 1200 feet long sea wall and the main land. Mr. Didi thanked Mr. Reeko Moosa Manik on behalf of the people, Hulhudhoo Office and Island Committee for successfully accomplishing such a big project. “The cost of this project would certainly mount to Mrf 500,000.00 and it would be almost impossible for us to proceed with such a project at this time of global economic downturn”. Filling the gap would provide reinforcement for the seawall to survive in the long run.

While speaking at the reception last night the Island Chief Mr. Mohamed Jameel announced that Heavy Load Maldives would also help us cleaning Hulhudhoo Waste Management area. “We are very thankful to Mr. Abdulla who has formally agreed to help dump the waste and clean up the whole area before their departure from Addu”, Jameel added.

Heavy load Maldives has just completed their prime task of making channel between Hulhudhoo and Herathera.Nevertheless as part of their corporate social responsibility, Heavy Load is undertaking small projects of Hulhudhoo on request by Hulhudhoo Office.