Impact Story by UN Suriname, edited by the Joint SDG Fund
Amidst the lush greenery of Suriname's Para district, a groundbreaking initiative is underway, spearheaded by the Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA) programme. This ambitious endeavour, championed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ BIBIS and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, is fueled by the Joint SDG Fund and driven by the visionary leadership of the Resident Coordinators Office, FAO, UNIDO, ILO and UNFPA.
Mr. Freddy Gamboa, an ASTA international agronomist with a wealth of experience in pineapple cultivation from his work in Costa Rica and the Caribbean region is on a mission to elevate Suriname's pineapple industry to new heights. Armed with innovative techniques and a passion for sustainable agriculture, he and his team are reshaping the way pineapples are grown in Suriname.
In his recent visit, Mr. Gamboa ignited excitement among stakeholders, exploring pioneering methods such as subsoiling and bedders. They discussed leveraging mountain minerals to enrich soil quality and amplify crop yields. This initiative champions innovative approaches like mechanical land preparation, staggered planting, and artificial flower induction, signalling a transformative leap into organic pineapple farming in indigenous communities.
In the picturesque village of Redi Doti, a bustling trial plot stands as a testament to the programme's potential. Here, thousands of pineapple plants thrive, nurtured by the careful hands of local farmers eager to embrace these innovative practices. Their enthusiasm is palpable, their hopes high for a future where Suriname's pineapples reign supreme in quality and quantity.
But the ASTA programme is not just about cultivating pineapples; it's about cultivating communities. Through dynamic workshops and collaborative initiatives, stakeholders come together to share knowledge, build skills, and forge connections that transcend borders and boundaries. Together, they're laying the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive pineapple value chain that benefits all.
As the ASTA programme continues to unfold, Suriname's rural communities stand poised on the brink of transformation. With sustainability as their compass and innovation as their guide, they're charting a course towards a brighter future —one pineapple at a time.
Originally published by United Nations Suriname
Note:
The Joint SDG Fund's joint programmes are under the prestige leadership of the Resident Coordinator Office and implementing United Nations Agencies. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
