M'DE, Comoros, Dec. 21 (AGCNewsNet) - Representatives from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) met with Comoros’ Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Daniel Ali Bandar, this week to discuss strengthening agricultural development in the island nation through enhanced research and farmer-focused initiatives.

The courtesy visit, held at the Ministry of Agriculture’s office at M’de (Ex CFADER), coincided with the launch of the EU-funded BRECOMA project. IITA emphasized its commitment to deepening ties with the government and advancing progress in the agricultural sector.

Discussions during the meeting centered on three critical areas: fortifying the seed system, advancing the banana value chain, and leveraging biotechnology through the state-of-the-art INRAPE laboratory. Efforts to combat Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), a devastating banana disease, were also a priority.

“This collaboration is key to improving productivity and income for the farming community in Comoros,” an IITA representative said, highlighting the organization's broader goal of sustainable agricultural development.

The EU BRECOMA project, launched concurrently, is expected to bolster agricultural resilience in Comoros by addressing challenges like disease control and enabling access to improved seeds and technologies.

The Minister of Agriculture expressed optimism about the partnership, noting that the initiatives would contribute to enhancing food security and livelihoods for the people of Comoros.

The visit further solidified IITA’s role in regional agricultural transformation, with plans to scale up collaborations to ensure long-term impact for Comorian farmers.

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