Maldivian Little Growers

Please find attached the draft application. Please send you comments to contact@mahaadheebu.com

There are many significant advantages of growing hydroponically. The following 14 are listed in no particular order, as their importance could well vary depending on importance to individuals or importance in particular areas. Assuming proper hydroponic principles are applied you should get:

1. High yield.
We have found that the yield per plant is some two to three times that of conventionally grown plants

2. Good productivity by eliminating
• digging, ploughing or other mechanical cultivation
• manual watering
• manual and chemical weed control
• manual or mechanical feeding or fertilising
• manual or mechanical soil conditioning

3. Greater choice of growing locations. All sorts of growing locations that are not available to conventional growing apply to hydroponic, including:-
• poor soil areas
• on rooftops
• inside house, factory or warehouse either naturally in good light conditions or under lights where necessary
• In attics or other unused areas
• In soil contaminated areas

4. In Small Areas. Any small area that has light and space can be utilised.
Just 100 square feet (10 square metres) with proper preparation can grow enough vegetables for a family of four. The space does not need to be all in the one spot.

5. Faster Growth.
When you eliminate the limiting factors of natural watering and available nutrition you can grow faster. This means that you will get more crops in a given period.

6. Better Flavour.
The richness of nutrient used in hydroponic produces intense flavours

7. Freedom From Pollution.
Most market garden soils are contaminated from airborne or applied chemicals. Even petrol and diesel fumes settle into soils. Hydroponic growing is as close to pollution free as you can get in this modern world.

8. Controlled Growing Conditions.
Hydroponic gives you a degree of control unmatched in other methods. Control of watering, control of nitrogen and potassium levels.

9. Healthier Plants.
You get healthier plants from good watering and feeding and plants are far less prone to disease or insect attack..

10. Water Efficiency.
Use far less water.

11. Easily Removed.
Plant in the wrong position ? No problem ! No heavy lifting either. The hydroponic media is in most cases very lightweight. Wait until the plant is almost dry and it is even lighter.

12. Convenient Growing.
Particularly for elderly or disabled. Your hydroponic system can be place on a table or bench to allow easy access without bending or to allow convenient wheel chair access.

13. More Produce.
Year round production becomes a reality with simple heating and/or lighting.

14. Cleanliness & Hygienic.
Hydroponic is an all round cleaner and less polluting method of production.

Discussion were held between Littlegrowers and Education Ministry Officials to talk about the Maldivian Littlegrowers. The ministry officials were briefed on the program and they assured that they will be ready to help the program as it is very much benifical to the country specially the children. As per the discussion we will give all the schools the chance to express their interest to participate in the program and will select 36 schools from those who show interest.

Porous, well aerated substrate are used as anchorage for the plants root system and feeding area. Rockwool and Heydite are the most popular as they are most readily available, and easiest to use and transport. Coco or Coconut chips are also widely used. Or we can use these with a good quality compost for a better result