Suriname must invest more in its own food production and reduce its dependence on imported food products. This is according to Minister Mike Noersalim of Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij (LVV, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries) in his message on the occasion of World Food Day, Friday, October 16, 2026.
Noersalim stresses that food security is not solely about producing sufficient food. According to him, environmental protection, economic resilience and better cooperation between farmers, processors and consumers must also form part of national agricultural policy.
The minister presents five key principles that should contribute to a stronger food system. One of these is increasing local production, making Suriname less dependent on food imports. According to him, attention must also be paid to strategic food storage and reducing food waste. Residual products from agriculture can, for example, be reused for compost and animal feed.
Regional cooperation remains necessary
Although Noersalim is committed to a greater degree of self-sufficiency, this does not mean, according to him, that Suriname should economically isolate itself from other countries. On the contrary, cooperation with countries within and outside the Caribbean remains necessary to exchange knowledge, promote fair trade and strengthen the position of local producers.
The minister also points to the opportunities Suriname has thanks to its fertile agricultural land and available water resources. Investments in climate-resilient agricultural techniques, modern planting material and knowledge development should contribute to higher production and a safer food supply.
According to Noersalim, the government also has an important responsibility. It must ensure the right infrastructure, regulations and conditions in which agricultural entrepreneurs can further develop.
Young people must see opportunities in the agricultural sector
A particular point of attention in the minister’s message is the involvement of young people in the agricultural sector. Noersalim wants more young people to view agriculture as a modern economic sector in which technology, innovation and entrepreneurship are central.
“We make a special appeal to our young people: see the agricultural sector as a modern sector full of opportunities, technology and innovation, and help build the future of our country,” the minister said.
According to him, it is necessary to encourage a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs to further develop Suriname’s food production.
Schools involved in World Food Day
As part of World Food Day, the Ministry of LVV organised various activities to introduce pupils to agriculture and food production.
Pupils from the Pandit Soerdjpal Ramjatanschool visited the citrus nursery in Tamansari, among other places. In addition, hydroponic systems were donated to O.S. Baitul Rochman and O.S. 2 Tamanredjo. Several schools also received agricultural tools to support their practical lessons.
LVV Deputy Director Amrish Bhaggan of Landbouw-Oost stresses that, through these initiatives, the ministry wants to make young people aware of the importance of healthy nutrition and local food production. According to him, investing in pupils’ agricultural knowledge is an important step towards future food security.
Policy officer Eline Troenosemito also underscores the importance of practice-oriented agricultural education. According to her, pupils should not only learn which crops are grown in Suriname, but also gain experience in growing food themselves.
During the visit to the citrus nursery, it became apparent that several pupils already engage in agriculture at home together with their parents. Other pupils indicated that they wanted to apply the knowledge gained at home.
Call to support local producers
Noersalim concludes his message with a call on society to place greater confidence in its own agricultural sector and to make more conscious choices for locally produced food products.
“A future-proof food supply does not arise by itself, but requires courage, investments and faith in our own abilities,” the minister said.
According to him, sustainable use of natural resources, support for local producers and investments in innovation can contribute to a Suriname better able to meet its own food needs.
