Reverse Linkage

49 DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION developed technology packages for various types of rice production. MARDI’s know-how has helped Malaysia push its rice yield at the granaries up to an average of 7t/ha, with some areas generating yields of 10t/ha. With these proficien- cies and capabilities, MARDI, through MARDI Corporation, has managed to establish partnerships outside Malaysia and generate in-depth international experience in implementing agriculture projects in other countries. IsDB became acquainted with MARDI Corporation through its works in assisting the Kano State in Nigeria to improve its rice production system, which garnered MARDI the IsDB prize for Science and Technology in 2011. With this recognition, IsDB sees MARDI Corporation as an impor- tant partner to further the bank’s strategies and interests to serve its member countries in agricultural development. Inspired by high expectations of its competencies, Mr. Anas Ahmad Nasarudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of MARDI Corporation, led a group of its experts to Suriname for a diagnostic mission in August 2014, to carry out a rapid appraisal and needs assessment of the country’s rice sector. Suriname’s rice planting environment is similar to that of Malaysia, consisting of a tropical lowland irrigated ecosystem or a flooded system. As a former Dutch colony, the irrigation and drainage infrastructures in Suriname are understandably well organized and extensive. In addition, due to the small population and hence, limited labour, rice production is fully mechanised, with most farmers owning their own tractors. The Malaysians then saw something that they had not seen before – sowing with the use of aeroplanes – and were impressed with what they found. Despite Suriname being a net exporter of rice and having nearly 50 years’ experience in fully mechanised rice produc- tion, based on 2014 statistics, Malaysia has a rice production area of 689,730ha, eleven times larger than Suriname, and Malaysian head technical expert for the Reverse Linkage project’s first pillar – the introduction of new high yielding and high value rice varieties. Dr. Asfaliza Ramli (left) is seen at work with ADRON staff carrying out tests on the adaptation trial plots on a farm in Nickerie Image: MARDI Corporation