Feature: How Chinese are helping Suriname turn around its farming fortunes
PARAMARIBO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- As the sun rises over the Saramacca District, the promise of pomelo season fills the air. In Ashwien Doekhi's orchard, a scene of abundance unfolds, with trees heavy-laden with ripe citrus fruits swaying gently in the breeze. Doekhi, his brother, and an eager team of workers dived into their harvest.
The story had been different in previous years, when Doekhi's family struggled to afford even basic agricultural tools, often borrowing money from friends and relatives.
In 2022, the China-aided Suriname Agricultural Technical Cooperation Center launched a technical assistance project, including 10 training sessions for over 300 individuals. Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi attended the launch ceremony. He saw China's technologies as instrumental in fostering high-yield, high-quality agricultural produce and vital for improving the livelihoods of farmers in Suriname.
Doekhi, a 26-year-old participant, lived a ten-minute drive from the center. Chinese experts visited Doekhi's fields almost every day and provided tailored advice at all stages of cultivation, from nurturing seedlings to applying fertilizer.
Doekhi started planting products like chili peppers, eggplants, and watermelons, sold both at local markets and to neighboring countries. Doekhi's crop yields doubled, and his annual income increased twofold.
"This initiative is so good; it helps us export agricultural products worldwide," said the young farmer, after having seen the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative directly benefit his community.
Suriname is among the first Caribbean countries to sign a cooperation plan within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative with China.
Jason Bakker, an official from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in Suriname, told reporters that local agricultural technicians travel two and a half hours each day to attend training sessions, and are eager to learn more about agricultural technologies from China. "We cooperate quite well with Chinese agricultural experts, sharing the same goals and working together," he said.
Su Lirong, a cultivation expert from China's Hunan Province, said that the cooperation center has won the trust and affection of local farmers who often seek advice from his team.
Suriname's government frequently invites Su and his colleagues to visit local farms and production sites for research and suggestions. "I feel like we have truly entered the hearts of the Surinamese people," he said.
Surinamese agricultural researcher Jan Jagnath believes that China's assistance to Suriname increases agricultural productivity and addresses food security concerns, and that Sino-Surinamese agricultural cooperation has "great potential and a bright future." ■
Related articles
Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift
Travis Kelce was spotted taking a whiskey shot from a slice of bread in true southern fashion as he2024-05-21Interview: China sees rapid urbanization, integrated development in all fields
CAIRO, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- China is witnessing rapid urbanization and integrated development in all2024-05-21IGAD calls on Sudanese warring parties to end year
ADDIS ABABA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Sunday ca2024-05-21China makes significant progress in geographical indication protection
Workers transfer vine tea leaves in Laifeng County, central China's Hubei Province, May 23, 2018. La2024-05-21Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Six people were killed and dozens arrested following attacks on the residence2024-05-21Xinhua Special: Warm Moments of Xi's Visits Ahead of Spring Festival
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-21
atest comment