At the 7th Agri Business Conclave & Awards, H.E. Mr. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam, Ambassador of Eritrea to India and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in New Delhi, spoke on the critical role of agriculture in shaping sustainable and resilient economies.“Agriculture remains the foundation of civilisation and a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth.”
At a time when global agriculture is under increasing strain, Ambassador Woldemariam highlighted the convergence of pressing challenges, from climate change and shifting food systems to the urgent need to feed a growing global population.
Yet, his message was not one of concern alone, but of possibility.“With challenges come immense opportunities.”
He emphasised that platforms such as the conclave play a vital role in shaping the future of agriculture by fostering dialogue and collaboration across sectors and borders.
“The future of agriculture cannot be built in isolation—it must be cultivated through dialogue, innovation, and partnerships across borders and sectors.”
The conclave, organised in partnership with the TERI School of Advanced Studies, brought into focus key themes such as sustainability, agri-innovation, climate resilience, and global partnerships—areas that the Ambassador described as essential not only for advancing technology and business, but also for strengthening international cooperation and collective responsibility.
Highlighting the importance of such collaborative platforms, he noted:“By bringing together experts, practitioners, and decision-makers, we move from conversation to action—from ideas to partnerships that create tangible impact.”
As the evening celebrated excellence through awards, the Ambassador called for a deeper recognition of the shared commitment that underpins innovation and progress in agriculture.
“Each innovation, each collaboration, and each step forward reflects a shared commitment to building a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.”
Eritrea’s Journey: From Struggle to Self-Reliance
In a candid and engaging extension of his address, Ambassador Woldemariam offered insights into the journey of Eritrea—its history, challenges, and development trajectory.
Located in the Horn of Africa along the Red Sea, Eritrea occupies a region of considerable strategic importance, sharing proximity with countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia, while lying across key maritime routes connecting to Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The Ambassador recounted Eritrea’s hard-fought independence in 1991 after a 30-year liberation struggle, followed by a historic referendum in 1993 under the auspices of the United Nations, where the people overwhelmingly voted for sovereignty.
Emerging from conflict, Eritrea faced a daunting reality—minimal infrastructure, limited institutions, and an almost non-existent economic base.
The response, however, was clear and strategic: “The answer was clear—agriculture.”
Prioritising agriculture as the foundation of nation-building, Eritrea embarked on an ambitious path of self-reliance. With support from international partners, including India, the country invested heavily in water management and rural infrastructure.
A cornerstone of this effort was the construction of nearly 900 dams—ranging from small reservoirs supporting local communities to large-scale infrastructure for agro-industrial development.
These initiatives have played a transformative role in strengthening the country’s agricultural capacity and moving towards food self-sufficiency—an achievement of particular significance in a region often challenged by food insecurity.
Looking Ahead: Stability, Sustainability, and Opportunity
Today, Eritrea continues to expand its development trajectory, with agriculture at its core while also exploring opportunities in fisheries, supported by its extensive coastline, and natural resources such as gold, copper, and potash.
Despite its size and relatively recent emergence as a nation-state, Eritrea’s emphasis on self-reliance, stability, and sustainable development remains central to its vision.
In a region frequently marked by volatility, the Ambassador highlighted Eritrea’s commitment to peace and stability, positioning it as a dependable partner in regional and global development efforts.
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