New Delhi, Oct 4 : In a remarkable step toward global agricultural collaboration, a 12-day field visit to Mali, West Africa, concluded successfully on October 2, 2025. Organized under India’s robust People-to-People Learning Exchange Program, the visit aimed to explore natural farming practices in Mali and assess how Indian knowledge could strengthen climate resilience, food security, and farm profitability for Malian farmers.
Strengthening Ties Through Agroecology
Hosted by Mr. Mohammed Soumare, National Coordinator of Agroecology under the Projet d’Appui à l’Extension des Systèmes Organiques Locaux (PAESOL), Department of National Agriculture (DNA), Government of Mali, the delegation worked closely with Centre d’Appui à la Microfinance et au Développement (CAMIDE).
The team visited demonstration plots in Gaima (Commune Liberté Dembaya), Marintoro, and Mussawagiya (Commune Logo, Kayes), where the PAESOL initiative showcased successful models of natural farming.
Shared Challenges and Shared Goals
During insightful discussions with regional coordinators and officials from DNA, the delegation explored pressing agricultural issues such as food insecurity, soil degradation, and overuse of chemical inputs. The Malian representatives expressed strong interest in adopting India’s low-cost, eco-friendly farming techniques to restore soil health and improve farmer incomes.
Knowledge Exchange Through Education
The delegation also visited the Institut Polytechnique Rural de Formation et de Recherche Appliquée (IPR/IFRA) in Katibougou, Koulikoro — a leading agricultural institute that trains around 4,000 students from 11 West African nations in agronomy, research, and rural development. Meetings with the institute’s director and faculty highlighted the importance of academic collaboration and field-based learning to promote sustainable farming.
Diplomatic Support and Shared Vision
A meeting with His Excellency Mr. Nand Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Mali, underscored India’s commitment to supporting Mali’s agricultural and rural development goals. The Ambassador appreciated the people-to-people approach, describing it as a bridge between grassroots innovation and global cooperation, and assured continued Indian support for Mali’s sustainable growth.
Hands-on Learning and Farmer Empowerment
The visit concluded with a three-day practical workshop on natural farming. Participants, including women farmers, agricultural experts, community resource persons, and professors, learned to prepare Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, and Neem Astra using locally available materials. These natural formulations — rooted in Indian farming traditions — were enthusiastically adopted by Malian farmers for their potential to reduce costs and boost yields sustainably.
The Delegation of Changemakers
The Indian delegation represented a strong mix of expertise and grassroots experience:
- Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Executive Director, Manjari Foundation, India
- Mr. Ravindra, Executive Director, Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN), Hyderabad
- Mr. Sandeep, WASSAN
- Mr. Khadirvalli, Progressive Farmer and Veteran Community Resource Person
- Mr. Walter, German Scientist, International Centre for Natural Farming (IGGAREL), India
A Step Toward Sustainable Global Partnerships
The Indian team expressed heartfelt gratitude to their Malian hosts — Mr. Mohammed Soumare, Mr. Stefano (PAESOL scientist), Mr. Alou Keita, Mr. Diawara (CAMIDE), Mr. Ramadan, and their teams — for their warm hospitality and collaboration.
This visit stands as a milestone in South–South cooperation, where India’s practical, community-led farming expertise is helping shape sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture in Mali. Beyond farming, it symbolizes the spirit of partnership — where knowledge grows, communities connect, and women farmers lead the way toward stronger, greener villages. 🌱
