A Technical Mission of the Agricultural Research Institute (IDIAP), accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama paid a working visit to Haiti, to support the Caribbean nation with organic-fortified seed donations and contribute to reduce the malnutrition of populations. Note that bio-fortified seeds are not sterile and can in turn produce new bio-fortified seeds that can be grown for years after a single initial investment, making their use very cost-effective.

The Panamanian experts carried out an assessment of production areas and agronomic conditions. They visited the vegetable growing areas, corn and rice seed storage centers, fish farms and land available for growing bio-fortified seeds.

They also shared experiences and best practices of the "Proyecto Nacional de Bioforticación Agro Nutre" on the successful research and chain of innovations for competitiveness of agro-industry in Panama.

They also discussed opportunities to offer training programs including safe crop practices, seed treatment, planting, irrigation, harvesting and storage.

On Friday, Panama and Haiti signed a cooperation agreement in Port-au-Prince that will enable IDIAP to donate seeds to Haiti, including bio-fortified varieties from the AgroNutre project. Bio-fortified varieties include rice, corn, beans and yams. The signing was made in the city of Port-au-Prince.

It was also agreed to develop a broader proposal for cooperation which, in addition to the supply of seeds, will include training, technical support and control of the whole process of growing bio-fortified seeds.

SL/ HaitiLibre