The Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has asked florists, importers, and individuals to seek permission before bringing in crops and plants into the country.

In a circular from the Minsitry released on Sunday evening, saying that such items can only be imported through the Velanaa International Airport and Malé harbour.

Items brought through the airport that do not carry approval from the ministry and ‘plant and animal quarantine unit’ will be destroyed, the ministry said.

The Fisheries Ministry also said that plants that are imported must not have any soil or sand along with it.

The circular said that the Fisheries Ministry reminds all people of this procedure due to the fact that many individuals returning to the Maldives from trips abroad have been bringing in plants and other crops with them.