Under SEEDS Initiative, India Supports Suriname’s SME and Farming Sector

Context: India sent the final batch of passion fruit processing machinery to Suriname under the SEEDS initiative.

About Suriname

• Location: Suriname is one of the smallest countries located on the northern coast of South America.
• Capital: Paramaribo, situated on the Suriname River; designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
• Borders:
  • North: Atlantic Ocean
  • East: French Guiana
  • South: Brazil
  • West: Guyana

• Colonial History: Formerly known as Dutch Guiana, it was a plantation colony of the Netherlands and gained independence in 1975.
• Drainage System: Major rivers include the Corantyne, Coppename, Suriname, and Marowijne, all flowing northward into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Ethnic Composition: South Asians, primarily descendants of Indian contract labourers, are the largest ethnic group, forming over one-fourth of the population.

About SEEDS Initiative

(SEEDS = Supply of Equipment for Efficient Development of SMEs)

The SEEDS Initiative is a development cooperation program launched by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. It aims to promote sustainable economic growth and industrial development in partner countries, particularly in the Global South, by supporting their Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Key Features of the SEEDS Initiative

• Objective: To strengthen bilateral relations by supplying critical machinery and equipment that enhance productivity and income generation in recipient countries.
• Target Beneficiaries: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), farmers, and local industries in developing countries.
• Nature of Support: Donation or supply of equipment such as processing machinery, tools, and technologies that are cost-effective and efficiency-enhancing.
• Strategic Focus:
  • Encourages South-South cooperation.
  • Promotes local capacity-building and self-reliance.
  • Boosts India’s diplomatic and development partnerships through practical support.
• Recent Example: In 2024–25, under this initiative, India sent two batches of machinery for passion fruit processing to Suriname, aimed at improving the country’s agro-industry and SME sector.

Significance of SEEDS Initiative

• Strengthens India’s role as a development partner.
• Enhances economic diplomacy and people-to-people ties.
• Supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to economic growth, industry innovation, and partnerships.

In essence, SEEDS is part of India’s broader vision to act as a reliable partner for inclusive development, especially among nations of the Global South.

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