All About an Ongoing Hydroponics Program in the Island of Muli in Meemu Atoll
In encouraging and developing modern and sustainable methods of agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources & Agriculture annually conducts a training program at a selected island regarding the establishment and usage of a hydroponics system. This year, the training program is being conducted at Muli in Meemu Atoll.
Hydroponics is an increasingly popular method of growing plants that uses a nutrient-rich solution with a water base, which means that soil isn't used at all in a hydroponics system. Instead, the roots of the plants are supported by such substances as peat moss, clay pellets, perlite, and rockwool. Hydroponic plant cultivation is widely considered more sustainable than regular farming as it uses around 90% less water and soilless cultivation minimizes the use of harsh chemicals needed to fertilize soil. Moreover, it does not depend on the climate or season and can be installed indoors.
As per the Ministry, the main objective of the organizing the program is to facilitate a manner to practice agriculture in islands which lacks the land for it whilst simultaneously securing an income from it in addition to encouraging and increasing youth participation in the field.
The training program which began on 3rd December, has helped establish hydroponics systems at 10 households in the island whereas they have been provided with the relevant training for successful implementation of it. Participants have been introduced to the ‘deep flow technique’ which they will be utilizing to grow cucumbers and ‘nutrient film technique’ which they will be utilizing to grow Chinese cabbages & lettuce etc.
It is estimated that products produced through these systems will be ready to cut by 15th January 2021.
Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources & Agriculture also notes that the usage of the systems meanwhile by the participants will be monitored by the Council of the island.
Photos: Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources & Agriculture