Strengthening South-South collaboration with Mali-India ties

Dr Ramadjita Tabo (right) interacting with Mr Anjani Kumar
(Center) at ICRISAT-Mali.

Asserting the commitment of Indian government to assist agriculture in Africa, Mr Anjani Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Mali, discussed partnerships with ICRISAT-WCA staff with an aim to strengthen south-south collaboration.

“The government of India has collaborated with the Government of Mali on many projects which have been completed, are underway and in the process. We will always be keen from the government side to contribute to any initiative or project and we are happy to receive from you any proposal that we can take forward together,” Mr Kumar said during his visit to ICRISAT in Bamako, Mali, where he also visited the facilities of ICRAF and World Vegetable Center.

Dr Ramadjita Tabo, Regional and Research Program Director, ICRISAT-WCA, underscored the potential areas where India can contribute to the region’s agriculture. Dr Tabo explained, “There is always a missing link such as markets, irrigation and how the farmers can have access to cheap and clean water. We are talking about extension services that are not working well. We have some challenges but I believe that India is a model to follow in Africa and it is our responsibility to work together.”

Ambassador Kumar also commended ICRISAT researchers by saying the institute’s research “is not cut off from the society”.

“It is very important that we realize that with climate change, we really need to encourage the food grown in a particular climate, which is what the Smart Food campaign is all about,” Mr Kumar said in reference to ICRISAT’s mandate crops and the Smart Food initiative.

To know more about ICRISAT’s work in Mali, click here