Jackfruit for the Future

Across several islands, a planting effort is underway that will take years to fully reveal its rewards.

Through the Jackfruit Planting Initiative, Atmosphere Foundation is supporting communities to grow fruit trees that will provide food, shade, and greener island spaces in the years ahead.

In 2025, 66 jackfruit saplings were distributed to six communities, from Vaikaradhoo in the north to Hithadhoo in the south. Residents and local councils are caring for the young trees in home gardens and community spaces, allowing them to take root and grow over time.

Jackfruit was chosen for several practical reasons. The tree produces abundant fruit that is highly nutritious and widely used in local cooking. It also provides valuable timber, while the fruit itself is less likely to be damaged by birds and bats compared to many other crops. For island communities, this makes jackfruit a resilient and useful addition to local food gardens.

Though still young, these trees promise future harvests, shade, and greener neighbourhoods, small plantings today that will benefit communities for years to come.

Key Facts

    • Saplings distributed: 66 jackfruit plants
    • Communities reached: 6 islands
    • Locations: HDh. Vaikaradhoo, HDh. Neykurendhoo, Sh. Goidhoo, 
    • Th. Buruni, S. Hithadhoo, GA. Villingili
    • Partners: Island councils and community members
    • Benefits: nutritious fruit production, timber value, and 
      resilient crops less affected by birds and bats