In a bid to bolster agricultural development, Barbados and China have recently inked three crucial memorandums of understanding.
These agreements pave the way for the provision of vital resources, including two tractors, technical expertise for rice cultivation, and the establishment of advanced hydroponics management systems.
Partnership forges ahead
The agreements, forged between the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) and Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co., Ltd., mark a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two nations.
Official signings
Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Security, Indar Weir, alongside Governor of Hunan Provincial People’s Government, Mao Weiming, and Deputy Director-General of Hunan Provincial Department of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Liu Qihua, formalized these agreements at the Ministry of Agriculture, located in Graeme Hall, Christ Church.
Gratitude expressed
Expressing gratitude for China’s support, Minister Weir emphasized the importance of these agreements in aligning with the government’s objectives.
He shared that they have set their sights on achieving full food security by 2030, in line with their SDG goals, underscoring China’s pivotal role in advancing Barbados’ agricultural sector.
Promising initiatives
Highlighting the success of the Upland Rice Project initiated by China, Minister Weir articulated plans for its expansion into the Pine Basin.
Launched with Chinese technical support, the project has already demonstrated significant progress, yielding 128 lbs of rice on 78 square meters of land at BADMC’s premises in Christ Church.
Mutually beneficial collaboration
Governor Mao Weiming echoed Minister Weir’s sentiments, expressing delight at the fruitful outcome of cooperation between Barbados and Hunan’s Agricultural Department.
Praising the collaboration in upland rice cultivation and greenhouse construction projects, Governor Weiming underscored the mutual benefits derived from this partnership.
Hunan, renowned as one of China’s leading rice producers in the central region, stands as a testament to agricultural innovation.
