Monrovia —Liberia’s agricultural sector is set to benefit from expanded research, technical training and knowledge exchange following a new partnership between India and Liberia aimed at strengthening
By Patience M. Jones
agricultural productivity, food security and the capacity of local researchers.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Liberia’s Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in agricultural research, education and capacity building.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, at the Embassy of India in Monrovia. ICAR Director General, Mangi Lal Jat, signed on behalf of the Indian institution, while CARI Director General, Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, signed for Liberia.
The partnership establishes an institutional framework through which researchers, scientists and agricultural experts from both countries can collaborate on practical solutions to challenges confronting Liberia’s agriculture sector.
Under the agreement, the two institutions will facilitate the exchange of scientists, technologists and experts, as well as scientific literature, information and research methodologies.
It will also support the exchange of germplasm and breeding materials, joint research, training, mentoring and capacity building for research personnel.
A major component of the cooperation will be India’s experience in agricultural extension services, particularly through its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), a frontline agricultural extension system designed to connect agricultural research with farmers and communities.
The experience is expected to provide Liberia with additional opportunities to strengthen the link between agricultural research institutions, extension services and farmers.
The areas of cooperation will cover crops and agricultural activities considered important to Liberia’s food security and economic development, including cassava and other tropical crops, rice, maize, vegetables, banana, oil palm and cocoa.
The partnership will also extend to fisheries and aquaculture, post-harvest management, food safety and value addition, creating opportunities for both countries to jointly develop research and training initiatives in these areas.
The Embassy of India said the agreement reflects India’s continued support for Liberia’s development priorities through knowledge sharing, institutional partnerships and capacity building.
It further described the initiative as part of India’s broader commitment to mutually beneficial South-South cooperation, with the partnership expected to allow researchers from both countries to learn from one another and develop solutions tailored to local conditions.
Implementation of the agreement will be guided by jointly developed biennial Work Plans, which will outline specific activities and define the respective contributions of ICAR and CARI.
The Embassy of India welcomed the signing as another significant step in the growing India-Liberia partnership, particularly in a sector considered critical to Liberia’s food security and economic development.
The agreement is expected to provide a stronger platform for collaboration between agricultural research and training institutions in both countries while contributing to sustainable agriculture, improved food production, human resource development and increased agricultural productivity in Liberia.
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