Mumbai, April 10 -- Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, led India's delegation at the 3rd BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Kathmandu, where he held a series of high-level bilateral discussions with counterparts from Nepal and Bhutan, further advancing India's regional cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.
India-Nepal: A Renewed Partnership During his meeting with Nepal's Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Shri Ramnath Adhikari, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, replacing the earlier 1991 agreement. The MoU aims to enhance collaboration in crop productivity, post-harvest management, agricultural trade, and climate-resilient farming.
The ministers reviewed progress on India's proposal to establish an Agro-Industrial Park in Chitwan, and projects under the High Impact Community Development Programme (HICDP). Cooperation between ICAR and Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) was also spotlighted, alongside plans to convene a Joint Agriculture Working Group (JAWG) under the new framework.
Boosting BIMSTEC Agricultural Cooperation Shri Chouhan also called on BIMSTEC Secretary General Shri Indramani Pandey, reaffirming India's commitment to agricultural cooperation among member states. Highlighting shared challenges like climate change and food security, the Minister emphasised the importance of the BIMSTEC Plan of Action 2023-2027. India reiterated its support for initiatives such as the BIMSTEC Agricultural Scholarship, regional training programmes, and the establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Agriculture in New Delhi.
India-Bhutan: Strengthening Traditional Ties In a separate meeting with Mr Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, Bhutan's Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Shri Chouhan reviewed cooperation in irrigation, mega farms, and allied sectors. The two sides discussed signing an MoU on technical cooperation soon, with Bhutan requesting increased support from India for its agricultural development.
Meeting with Nepal PM Shri Chouhan also called on Shri K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal. The two leaders reaffirmed the countries' friendly ties and expressed optimism that the newly signed MoU would elevate India-Nepal agricultural collaboration. India also reiterated its offer to support Nepal through projects such as the fertilizer plant and agro-industrial initiatives.
These engagements reaffirm India's proactive role in strengthening regional agricultural ties and promoting food security, innovation, and sustainability across South Asia.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.