NewKerala.com

Key Points

India has dispatched 5 metric tonnes of Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds to Fiji as part of its Act East Policy. The aid aims to support Fiji’s agricultural production and strengthen bilateral ties. The seeds are versatile, improving soil health and serving as livestock feed. This move follows PM Modi’s landmark 2014 visit, which deepened India’s engagement with Pacific Island nations.

Key Points: India Sends 5 MT Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds to Fiji Under Act East Policy

  • India aids Fiji with 5 MT Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds for agriculture
  • Strengthens Indo-Pacific ties under Act East Policy
  • Seeds improve soil health and serve as livestock feed
  • Follows PM Modi’s 2014 visit that boosted India-Fiji relations
2 min read

'Act East Policy': India sends humanitarian assistance of 5 MT Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds to Fiji

India extends humanitarian aid to Fiji with 5 MT Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds to boost agriculture, reinforcing Indo-Pacific ties under Act East Policy.

"Standing in solidarity with our partners in the Indo-Pacific. – Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson"

New Delhi, July 27

The Central government, as part of its crucial 'Act East Policy', has sent humanitarian assistance of five metric tonnes of Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds to Fiji to assist the country in boosting its agricultural production.

Taking to X on Saturday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote: "Standing in solidarity with our partners in the Indo-Pacific. As part of its ‘Act East Policy’, India sends humanitarian assistance of 5 MT Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds to our Pacific partner Fiji to support agricultural production. The 1st tranche of seeds departed from Delhi today for Fiji."

Experts define the Pacific as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to natural disasters, rapidly posing threats to sustainable growth and stability in the region.

An official statement mentions that India-Fiji relations are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people to people ties.

The bilateral relationship received a major boost after the visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to Fiji in November 2014, when the First Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC) was also held. Over the years, as a major development partner of Fiji, India has been privileged to support Fiji in its nation-building efforts across key sectors and also in the area of capacity building.

The visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Fiji in November 2014 was a watershed moment not only for India-Fiji relations but also for India’s relations with all the Pacific Island Countries.

During the visit, three MoUs were signed with Fiji -- (1) MoU for Extending a Line of Credit for Establishing a Co-Generation Plant in Fiji, (2) MoU on Cooperation in the field of training of diplomats, and (3) MoU on the Earmarking of Land for their Diplomatic Missions in the respective Capitals.

Notably, Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds are popular for their versatile nature with usage that ranges from consumption by humans to livestock feed. They can also be utilised as 'Cover Crop' to improve the health of the soil by replenishing nitrogen levels and suppressing weeds.

These seeds can be also used as forage for livestock, providing a nutritious feed source and also be added to the soil as green manure to boost its fertility.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the gesture, I wonder if we could have sent some Indian agricultural experts along with the seeds? Technical knowledge transfer would make this assistance more impactful in the long run.
R
Rohit P
Black-eyed peas (lobia) are staple in many Indian households. Smart choice to send something we know well and can grow in similar climates. Hope Fiji farmers find them useful! 🇮🇳🤝🇫🇯
S
Sarah B
As someone who's lived in both countries, this makes me so happy! Fiji has beautiful land but faces agricultural challenges. India's expertise in farming can really help them. More such collaborations please!
K
Karthik V
Good move diplomatically, but I hope we're also focusing on our own farmers' issues back home. The balance between foreign aid and domestic agriculture support needs careful consideration.
N
Nisha Z
The cultural connection through food is brilliant! Maybe next we can send some Indian recipes to show how to cook these peas in delicious ways. Food diplomacy at its best! 😋
D
David E
Interesting to see India's growing role in the Pacific. The multipurpose nature of these seeds (food, livestock, soil improvement) shows thoughtful planning. Hope this leads to more sustainable partnerships.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50