Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud and Suriname Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Mr. Kermechend Raghoebarsing met Tuesday in Paramaribo to discuss cooperation in agriculture and related fields between the two neighbours and fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members.

The meeting followed the closure by Suriname last week of the border Corentyne River to protect its agricultural sector, in particular its banana fields, from a disease reported here.

But Mr. Persaud, in a statement then, said an unidentified disease found in isolated banana fields was at a level which has not impacted production negatively and was being closely monitored by local and international technical staff.

A joint statement after the meeting Tuesday said the ministers underscored that cooperation between the two important agricultural countries can benefit the agricultural development and the peoples in both countries.

The statement said both countries are aware of the prevalence of the Carambola fruit fly which can devastate fruits and they agreed that it can best be addressed at the regional level.

Both countries are to strengthen border inspection and surveillance mechanisms on both sides and provide travellers with adequate information.

They have also agreed to a free flow of agriculture products that are in compliance with international standards and measures.

The ministers discussed the importance of trade in agricultural products and stressed that this should be done in accordance with internationally agreed measures, the statement said.

They announced that in border areas and points of entry, attention will be paid to ensure that trade and transport of agricultural products will remain as liberal as possible and at the same time guarantee agricultural health and food safety.

Suriname and Guyana will cooperate and exchange expertise in the management of pests and eventually in other areas.

The ministers noted that the two countries are important agricultural producers for their local consumption and for export.

Guyana and Suriname are also implementing major diversification programmes and in this regard food safety and security have a high priority in the policy, the statement said.

They also invest heavily in food safety and security to the benefit of both consumers and producers.

Both countries are to set up a technical working group to coordinate these activities and frequently exchange information, the statement said.

And the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) represented by General Manager, Mr. Jagnarine Singh and the Foundation for Rice Research in Suriname (SNRI) represented by its Vice Chairman, Mrs. Caroline Rahan-Chin, have signed an agreement covering cooperation in rice.

The GRDB, through the Burma Rice Research Station, will provide technical support to conduct specific research and training projects that will benefit the industry for both countries; define the seed production and certification models used in Guyana in harmony with Suriname, as a means of differentiating the rice offered to customers; and develop ways to improve the processing system in Guyana.

It will also conduct socio-cultural studies and environmental impact assessments to ensure that the results will contribute to the long term viability of the industry, and commence and undertake regional and international market studies that will inform the countries on strategies for long-term marketing.

Under the agreement, the station is also to characterise the rice production and marketing systems in Guyana which will facilitate the diagnosis of problem areas and point to areas that will impact on the sustainability of the industry.

It will design and maintain a rice database of contacts and products for use by the industry personnel, and facilitate a process of product development and product diversification as a means of adding value to rice products and to promote diversification of the rice industry.

The Burma Rice Research Station is also to provide for training and exchanges locally, regionally and internationally for farmers, technicians and scientists. The specific areas that will benefit both countries and which will be reviewed at joint seasonal meetings include communications, improved technology, grading systems, and providing a platform for rice technology and marketing information exchange that will link Guyana to the rest of the world.

SNRI is to provide technical support to conduct specific research and training projects that will benefit the industry for both countries, define the seed production and certification models used in Suriname in harmony with Guyana as a means of differentiating the rice offered to customers, and develop ways to improve the processing systems in Suriname.