An opening ceremony was held for the International Forum for Technological Dissemination of Soursop. The event was organized by the Southeast Regional Research Center of the National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research (INIFAP) México and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise.
The National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research is a research institution in Mexico that plays a crucial role in strengthening production capacity, not only within Mexico but also in collaboration with other countries, including Belize.
Through a bilateral agreement INIFAP have been assisting Technical Officers and farmers in Belize with technical assistance and knowledge transfer to farmers, agricultural organizations, and government agencies in the management of coconut, Soursop, pitahaya and Soybeans.
Through the collaboration the institute have shared best practices, conducted training programs, and provided recommendations on crop selection, cultivation techniques, pest management, and other aspects of agriculture. Other collaboration included research institutions in Belize to undertake joint research projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity and addressing common challenges faced by farmers. This collaboration involved sharing research findings, exchanging experts, and conducting collaborative studies on crop improvement, soil management, irrigation techniques, and other relevant areas like Exchange Programs between farmers, researchers, and technicians from Mexico and Belize.
These programs provide opportunities for individuals to learn from each other’s experiences, observe different agricultural systems, and promote cultural exchange. Such exchanges foster mutual understanding and strengthen the cooperation between the two countries.
Present at the event was the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Jose Mai, Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Victoriano Pascual, Dr. Alejandro Cano Lead Technical Officer for INIFAP, Chief of Mission within the Mexican Embassy Mr. Vladimir Hernandez, Farmers, Technical Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, BMDC, CARDI and other invited guests.
