A group of experts from 17 countries is in Taiwan to learn about the nation’s successes in developing its farming communities. In particular, they are here to learn about a rural rejuvenation plan which began in 2010, and involves 800 villages throughout Taiwan.
The five-day visit will include lectures and visits to six of the communities that have benefited from the rural rejuvenation plan. It’s being organized by Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture, along with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) and the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI).
Agriculture Minister Chen Bao-ji said that Taiwan can share its experience with other countries to benefit farming communities across Asia. He said that in particular Taiwan can help with training personnel and diversifying products.
APO’s Dr. Muhammad Saeed is one of the members of the group that is visiting Taiwan. He said that for many developing nations, the trend of urbanization has prompted many young people from rural areas to head to the cities. That leaves rural communities with lackluster economic prospects. He said he wanted to learn from Taiwan’s successes in promoting development in agricultural communities.