Officials from Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture welcome delegation members from the African-Asian Rural Development Organization June 12 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of COA)
 

The visit of a delegation from the African-Asian Rural Development Organization to Taiwan is welcomed by the government and people, according to the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture June 12.

Led by Rami Qtaishat, the organization’s assistant secretary general, the group comprises officials from AARDO’s 10 member states. During their five-day trip, delegation members will visit smart agriculture enterprises to learn about Taiwan’s relevant technological applications and identify investment and trade opportunities.

According to the COA, Taiwan has leveraged its big data and Internet of Things capabilities to launch multiple smart agriculture initiatives since 2017. The government has successfully helped small farmers implement advanced production techniques, the COA said, citing innovations like a smart greenhouse management system, automatic mushroom packaging machine, smart irrigation systems and wearable labor-saving devices.

The COA said the council will focus on produce sales going forward, adding that the visit demonstrates international recognition of Taiwan’s accomplishments and will help deepen the country’s cooperation with AARDO member countries while raising its profile in the global community.

Established in 1962 in New Delhi, AARDO aims to coordinate rural development efforts in the two regions. Taiwan joined the organization in 1968 and serves as one of the current executive committee member states, the COA said, adding that over the past five decades the country has cooperated with other members to conduct technology exchange programs, promote educational training and hold seminars on agricultural issues. (YCH-E)