Kaashidhoo Council to penalize use of chemicals for farming in residential areas

K. Kaashidhoo Council has announced plans to take legal action against individuals using chemical pesticides and fertilizers in residential areas, including homes and agricultural plots.

The decision comes amid growing concerns and complaints from residents regarding the negative health impacts associated with the use of such chemicals near their homes.

Speaking with Sun, Kaashidhoo Council’s President Sobah Mohamed said the effects of agricultural chemicals on public health have long been a source of concern for residents. He noted that despite directives issued by previous councils to cease the practice, the continued use of these chemicals has caused considerable distress within the community.

"This is a serious public health risk. We are receiving numerous complaints regarding [health issues such as] asthma and allergic reactions," Sobah remarked.

In an announcement on June 8th, the Council stated that employers will be held fully accountable if expatriate workers are found using chemical pesticides without appropriate safety measures or in violation of public safety standards. It urged the immediate cessation of such activities, warning that they pose significant health risks, particularly to children and elderly residents.

Kaashidhoo is among the Maldives’ leading agricultural islands where the use of chemicals is allowed in non-residential areas. However, residents have expressed concern over the use of strong chemical substances at plots within residential areas, describing it as a major nuisance despite their permitted use in designated farming zones outside residential communities.

Sobah added that the Council is currently monitoring residential properties and surrounding areas and is preparing to initiate legal proceedings against individuals found to be in violation of the regulations.

While fertilizers and pesticides remain essential tools in modern agriculture, helping to improve crop yields and protect plants from disease, studies have shown that improper or unsafe use can have harmful consequences for both human health and the environment.

The potential connection between agricultural chemicals and cancer continues to be a matter of concern, particularly on islands where cancer rates appear to be disproportionately high.

Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, who had served as the Health Minister up until recently, stated that while cancer cases have become increasingly common in the Maldives, the exact factors contributing to the rise have yet to be conclusively determined.

Concerns over the growing number of cancer cases in certain islands were also raised last year. In December, a resident of B. Goidhoo, another major agricultural island, called for an investigation into pesticide use and a formal study to identify the causes of the island’s high incidence of cancer.

In response, then-Agriculture Minister Dr. Mariyam Mariya stated in March that discussions were underway with the Health Ministry to conduct research into the increasing cancer rates in Goidhoo. However, following cabinet reshuffles initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in April, the Agriculture Ministry was dissolved and its responsibilities were transferred to the Fisheries Ministry.