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Key Points

Suriname has received its first batch of fruit processing machinery funded by India's $1 million SME grant. The project, backed by a NABCONS feasibility study, aims to enhance local agricultural value addition. This follows President Droupadi Murmu's landmark 2023 visit celebrating 150 years of Indian diaspora in Suriname. The initiative strengthens ongoing agricultural cooperation between the two nations.

Key Points: Suriname Receives Indian Grant Aid for Fruit Processing Machinery

  • First shipment under $1M Indian SME grant aids Suriname's fruit processing
  • NABCONS conducted feasibility study before machinery dispatch
  • Project strengthens India-Suriname agricultural cooperation
  • Follows President Murmu's historic 2023 visit marking 150 years of Indian diaspora
2 min read

Suriname receives first shipment of fruit processing machinery under Indian grant aid

India delivers first shipment of fruit processing equipment to Suriname under $1M SME grant, boosting agricultural value addition and bilateral ties.

"Under the $1mn SME grant aid announced by EAM S. Jaishankar, the first shipment of fruit processing machinery, received in Suriname. – Embassy of India in Suriname"

Paramaribo, June 10

Suriname on Tuesday received the first shipment of fruit processing machinery funded under the $1 million Small and Medium Enterprises grant announced by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar recently.

"Under the $1mn SME grant aid announced by EAM S. Jaishankar, the first shipment of fruit processing machinery, received in Suriname. Once operational, the processing facility will enhance value addition to local agricultural products," the Embassy of India in Suriname posted on X.

India had offered USD 1 million as grant assistance for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) projects during EAM Jaishankar's meeting with his Surinamese counterpart Albert Ramdin during the India-Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in Guyana on April 21, 2023.

Under the grant aid, developments are ongoing for establishing a passion fruit packaging unit in Suriname by supplying machinery from India. The NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS), implementation partner in the project, carried out a feasibility study in July 2024 and found the project fit for implementation, and accordingly the machines were shipped to Suriname.

Reinforced by cultural and people to people contacts bridged by Indian diaspora's arrival dating back to one and half century, India enjoys close, warm and friendly relations with Suriname.

India and Suriname have bilateral mechanisms to enhance bilateral cooperation, such as Ministerial-level Joint Commission Meetings and Joint Working Group on Agriculture. Both countries have actively cooperated on development partnership, and India has offered Line of Credits (LOCs), Grants-in-Aid.

Under the Social Welfare initiative of India, India has also extended food security assistance to Suriname for the value of about US $10 million.

President of India Droupadi Murmu's maiden foreign visit to Suriname in June 2023 marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries. President Murmu was State Guest at the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Suriname. During her visit, President Murmu was bestowed with the prestigious 'Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star', the highest civilian honour of Suriname. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in the regulation of medical products, recognition of the Indian Pharmacopeia, and the formulation of a Joint Work plan for Agriculture and Allied Sectors for the period of 2023-2027 were also signed during President Murmu's visit.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a great initiative! Helping Suriname's agriculture sector will strengthen our bilateral ties. Many Indians settled there generations ago, so it's heartwarming to see India supporting their economic development. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate the aid, I hope our government is equally focused on improving fruit processing facilities in our own country first. Many Indian farmers still struggle with post-harvest losses.
A
Amit S.
Smart diplomacy! This small grant will create long-term goodwill and open doors for Indian businesses. Suriname has potential as a gateway to South American markets. Well done MEA! 👏
N
Neha T.
The cultural connection makes this special. My great-grandfather went to Suriname as a laborer. Seeing India now helping them with technology instead of just manpower... what a progress! Emotional moment for diaspora families.
S
Sanjay V.
Hope NABARD ensures proper training for Surinamese operators. Technology transfer is more valuable than just machines. Maybe we can invite their farmers to Indian institutes for skill development?
M
Meena R.
$1 million seems small but can make big impact for SMEs. Passion fruit processing is niche but profitable. Smart choice by our experts! Maybe next we can import some Surinamese fruits to India? 😋

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