Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, engaged in a significant meeting with Mr. Albert R. Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation of Suriname, in New Delhi. Welcoming the Surinamese delegation, Minister Tomar expressed delight at the recent Joint Working Group meeting on Agriculture and allied sectors held on November 15, 2023. He emphasized the progress in implementing the work plan spanning 2023-2027.
Highlighting initiatives like the Deccan High-Level Principles for Food Security and Nutrition, as well as the Millets and other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI), introduced during India’s G20 Presidency, Minister Tomar underscored their significance in combating challenges related to food insecurity and malnutrition. Inviting Suriname to join MAHARISHI, housed in the Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, he emphasized collaboration between India and Suriname in bringing millets to global consumption.
Shri Narendra Singh Tomar emphasized the shared developmental aspirations underpinning India-Suriname bilateral relations, acknowledging the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and frequent high-level exchanges. He praised Suriname’s strides in millet cultivation and Ayurveda while offering India’s agricultural expertise, including drone technology and agri-stack, for mutual benefit. Grateful for the invitation extended by the visiting Minister, he welcomed the opportunity to visit Suriname.
Mr. Albert R. Ramdin echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the meeting’s role in fortifying bilateral relations. Recognizing the impending challenges of food and energy security, he highlighted the potential for collaboration in these domains. Suriname’s keenness to participate in the MAHARISHI initiative was reiterated, alongside an expressed interest in cooperation concerning training, technical assistance, climate change, germplasm exchange, and food processing. Suriname also aims to establish an Ayurveda health center and seeks India’s collaboration in cultivating medicinal plants.