The Maldives Agribusiness Programme (MAP) has selected individuals to serve as Lead Farmers in islands where training programs are being conducted using model greenhouses. The purpose of these Lead Farmers is to ensure that farmers working in the greenhouses built by the MAP project and in the greenhouses constructed by IFF members, as well as those cultivating in open fields, are following the good agricultural practices taught by the project.

In this regard, their role is to ensure that daily tasks are carried out as per the crop calendar prepared by the project and to confirm that the items in the checklist are regularly maintained. If these practices are not being followed, they are to identify areas for improvement and, with advice from project and ministry extension staff, encourage and assist IFF members in improving greenhouse operations.

Number of Lead Farmers: It has been decided to select at least 2 people from each island where MAP has built greenhouses and where new greenhouses are being constructed, from among the IFF members. The islands where Lead Farmers are to be selected are:

Ha. MolhadhooHa. KelaaHa. FilladhooHa. UligamHDh. KumundhooHDh. VaikaradhooHDh. MakunudhooHDh. NellaidhooHDh. NolhivaranfaruSh. KanditheemuSh. GoidhooSh. BileiyfahiSh. FoakaidhooSh. NarudhooSh. Feevah

Criteria for selecting Lead Farmers:

Selection process for Lead Farmers: Although each island's IFF board has an extension link farmer, it has been decided to appoint Lead Farmers in consultation with IFF members, as the responsibilities of a Lead Farmer are greater than those of an extension link farmer.

Therefore, visits will be made to each island to meet with IFF members and clearly explain the purpose and responsibilities of Lead Farmers. Opportunities will be given to IFF members attending the meeting who wish to take initiative for this role. this role. If more than two people volunteer, a secret ballot will be held among the IFF members present at the meeting to select two individuals.

If no one volunteers, a candidate may be proposed from among the attendees and appointed.

Lead Farmers have already received necessary training, and various training programs related to plant cultivation have been conducted at the Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Center and through other means. These training programs cover topics such as planting media, plant parts, plant nutrients, plant diseases and their control methods. Additionally, Lead Farmers will receive training on best practices in plant cultivation, record-keeping, using crop planners and checklists, working as a group, and managing and motivating group members to organize work effectively.

MAP continues to implement numerous programs and training sessions to expand and promote agriculture in the Maldives by introducing and teaching innovative agricultural methods to farmers.