GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): On 24 May 2023, a significant event took place at the Embassy of India in Guatemala, where Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra officially handed over a consignment of four varieties millet seeds to the Agricultural Minister of Guatemala, Mr. Edgar René De León Moreno. The handover ceremony was organized at the Embassy Residence and was attended by Mr. Guillermo De León Agreda, Cooperation Director, Mr. Rafael Oroxon, International Cooperation; and Mr. Rafael Oroxon, General Manager of the Institute of Agricultural Science from Guatemalan side, including representatives from the Embassy.

The millet seeds provided by the Embassy of India will play a crucial role in promoting food security in Guatemala. Millets are highly nutritious and resilient crops that can thrive in various agro-climatic conditions. By introducing millet cultivation, the agricultural sector of Guatemala can diversify its food production and enhance resilience against climate change and other agricultural challenges. The handover of millet seeds signifies India’s expertise in millet cultivation techniques and sustainable agricultural practices. By sharing these seeds, India aims to contribute to Guatemala’s agricultural development and promote the adoption of advanced farming methods. The millet seeds provided by the Embassy can serve as a valuable resource for research and development initiatives in Guatemala’s agricultural sector. Researchers and scientists can study the characteristics of these seeds, explore their adaptability to local conditions, and develop improved crop varieties that are better suited to Guatemala’s agro-ecosystem.

The handover ceremony serves as a platform to strengthen agricultural cooperation between India and Guatemala. It facilitates knowledge exchange, technical assistance, and collaboration in the field of agriculture. By nurturing this partnership, both countries can benefit from shared expertise, best practices, and innovative solutions to address common agricultural challenges. This gesture reflects the commitment of the Embassy of India to support Guatemala in its agricultural development endeavors. The event not only symbolizes the exchange of seeds but also signifies the deepening friendship and collaboration between the two nations in the agricultural sector. It is expected that this initiative will lead to fruitful outcomes, contributing to the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector in Guatemala.