China’s agricultural technology benefits everyone—Visiting China’s Agricultural Technology Cooperation Center in Suriname
Xinhua News Agency, Paramaribo, April 13 – Suriname farmer Astlando Liverde is reaping the benefits of Chinese agricultural technology, thanks to the China-Aid Suriname Agricultural Technical Cooperation Center technical assistance project. Liverde, a 24-year-old farmer, expressed his gratitude for the techniques taught by Chinese experts, stating that they have not only benefited him but also his family and nearby farmers.
Located in the Salamaka District, the project is about an hour and a half drive from the center of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. Liverde, who owns 8 hectares of land and grows passion fruit, bitter melon, and other crops, has been working at the project site since it started in November 2022. He credits the Chinese experts for increasing his income from 2,000 Surinamese dollars per week to 5,000 Surinamese dollars.
Liverde, along with other local employees at the project, has been learning new techniques from Chinese experts, including soil preparation, precise fertilization, and pest management. The project also conducts experiments on crop introduction, selection, breeding, and cultivation, benefiting not only the trainees from the local agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishery departments but also nearby farmers.
Chinese expert Su Lirong, who is involved in the project, expressed satisfaction in being able to help the local community. The cooperation center has gained the trust and love of local farmers, with Suriname government departments organizing visits for Chinese experts to provide guidance on local farms.
Jason Barker, an official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries of Suriname, commended the collaboration with Chinese agricultural experts, stating that local technicians are eager to learn Chinese technology and pass on their knowledge to other farmers in the region. The project aims to hold 10 centralized training courses with over 300 trainees expected to benefit from the program.
Overall, the China-Aid Suriname Agricultural Technical Cooperation Center is making a positive impact on the agricultural sector in Suriname, with farmers like Liverde witnessing firsthand the transformative power of Chinese agricultural technology.