India: PM Calls for Asia-Africa Cooperation for Agriculture and Rural Development

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing at the

Inauguration of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Afro-Asian

Rural Development Organization, in New Delhi on

March 05, 2012. PIB Photo

NEW DELHI (NNN-UNI) --Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today called for joint efforts by Asia and Africa for a global regime to access funds and green technologies for rural socio-economic growth and for best outcomes at climate change negotiations and the upcoming Rio 20 conference in Brazil.

"We have to work together to build a favourable international regime that enables us to access funds and green technologies for rural economic and social growth. We should put our heads together to work for the best outcomes at the climate change negotiations and the forthcoming Rio 20 conference in Brazil," he said.

In his address at the inaugural session of the golden jubilee celebrations of Afro-Asian Rural Development Organisation, the Prime Minister said there was also need to tackle short-term and long-term environmental challenges faced by the two economies.

He called upon scientists and experts to reflect on technologies and processes that are most suitable for rural conditions and circumstances, both in Africa and Asia.

Calling for encouraging more investment and trade in agriculture between Asia and Africa and the role of private sector in this, Dr Singh said Indian investment was flowing into Africa in agro-processing, agricultural machinery and floriculture.

He stressed on encouraging investment flows and Indian farm technologies and practices relevant for African conditions. -- NNN-UNI