Rana on official visit to Kenya, holds discussions on agricultural innovation, technological cooperation
Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana is currently on a five-day official visit to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, from October 9 to 13. He is accompanied by a 20-member Indian delegation. The main objective of the visit is to strengthen mutual cooperation between India and Kenya in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and agricultural products, as well as to promote the exchange of modern agricultural technologies.
During the visit on Friday, the Haryana delegation met senior officials of the International Agricultural Research Institute and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT). The meetings included extensive discussions on innovations in maize and wheat, agricultural mechanisation, strategies to tackle climate change and the shared use of advanced agricultural technologies.
It was agreed at the meeting that exchange programmes should be initiated between agricultural universities and research institutions of both the countries to enhance mutual cooperation in agricultural research, training and development of new technologies.
The delegation also visited the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) headquarters, where they held a courtesy meeting with the organisation’s CEO and had meaningful discussions on export-import of agricultural products, market expansion and trade cooperation.
Agriculture minister said this visit would open up new opportunities for farmers of Haryana. He said the objective of the Haryana Government was to connect farmers of the state with global-level modern agricultural technologies and implement successful models so as to increase crop productivity and reduce costs.
He said, “India produces all types of grains, fruits and vegetables. This diversity gives the country a unique identity in the global agricultural landscape. India has always played a leading role in meeting challenges of the 21st century, and its contribution to global food security continues to grow.”
Rana said, “The hard work of farmers and livestock breeders, along with the government’s farmer-friendly policies, has strengthened India’s agricultural sector. Today, India is the world’s largest producer of milk, a leading producer of coarse cereals, and ranks second in the production of rice and wheat. India’s contribution in fruits, vegetables and fisheries is also remarkable.”
Rana expressed confidence that this Kenya visit would open new avenues of cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture and technical collaboration would benefit farmers. He said, “Today, India not only feeds its vast population, but also supplies food products to many countries around the world.”
The delegation includes agricultural experts, university representatives and farmers, who are gaining first-hand experience of advanced agricultural projects and innovations being implemented in Kenya.
Haryana Tribune