Belize And India Explore New Agriculture And Food Security Partnerships

Belize and India are looking to deepen cooperation in agriculture and food security following a high-level bilateral meeting held this week in Belmopan.  According to a government press release issued today, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries Rodwell Ferguson and Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture Luis Alex Balona met with India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita, during the Indian official’s two-day visit to Belize.  During the discussions, both countries explored several areas for technical cooperation aimed at strengthening Belize’s agricultural sector and improving national food production. Among the key topics discussed were the provision of small and heavy-duty agricultural machinery to assist local farmers, technical support for the development of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, and cooperation in water management and precision agriculture technologies to help Belize address recurring drought conditions.  The talks also focused on improving post-harvest management in the vegetable production sector, strengthening Belize’s cacao industry, modernizing sanitary and phytosanitary systems through digital surveillance and early warning tools, and improving standards management and quality infrastructure.  The release adds that the dialogue was cordial and amicable, with both sides reaffirming the strong relationship between the governments and peoples of Belize and India.