Farming expert grows knowledge in Africa
Assistance from China helps foster greater local self-reliance
Bringing along 75 kilograms of citrus branches, local tea and grafting materials, Liang Suiquan recently arrived in Malawi for his third agricultural aid mission to Africa.
Liang will serve as an expert in fruit trees, focusing on mangoes, apples and citrus fruits over the next two years as part of a project between China and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization.
The project aims to foster the sharing of agricultural knowledge and strengthen ties between developing countries.
The 55-year-old, a recognized agricultural expert from Yichang, Hubei province, has devoted his career to agricultural extension services since he was 18.
In 2014, Liang embarked on his first overseas mission to Chad, where he provided technical aid on conventional and hybrid rice. In 2019, he continued his work in Guinea-Bissau, supporting sweet potato and rice cultivation.
"My wish is simple: to make rice more fragrant and fruit sweeter, bringing quality produce to everyone," he said, explaining his motivation to return to Africa.
Liang's hometown is known for its citrus, so it is the fruit he knows best. He selected a few local citrus branches to bring to Malawi for grafting, testing their adaptability to the African climate.
"To start work quickly, I brought three large suitcases, totaling 75 kg of supplies," he said.
