'Scottish development funding in India having strong impact'

Support extended by the Scottish government's International Development Fund (IDF) for projects in India was having a "strong and lasting" impact, Scotland's International Development Minister Humza Yousaf said today.
"The Scottish government's combined Pounds 2.4 million support for development projects in India since 2010 is having a strong and lasting impact on some of the country's poorest communities," he said.
Yousaf, who is presently visiting India, said he had met representatives of eight projects that had benefited from IDF.
In South Asia, the Scottish IDF is focused on three countries, including India, he said.
Projects supported by the Scottish IDF between 2010 and 2013 have trained more than 350 physicians and surgeons in diabetic foot disease management, helped more than 3,200 farmers develop better farming techniques, increase food production and secure higher prices for their products.

The funding also supported almost 200 young entrepreneurs in Kashmir in setting up their own small businesses. It also assisted around 30,000 women in expanding their businesses.

"It has been overwhelming to see first-hand how these vital projects are significantly improving the lives of some of India's poorest, most vulnerable people," he said.
Through IDF, "Scotland is helping save the lives of mothers and newborn babies, improving access to food, clean water and sanitation, and providing learning and training opportunities to help people support themselves, their families and their communities," Yousaf added.
During his stay in India from October 10-16, Yousaf will undertake several business, cultural and diplomatic engagements on visits to New Delhi and Mumbai.