Union Agriculture Minister welcomed the delegation from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He emphasized the importance of the relationship between India and ASEAN, highlighting it as a crucial aspect of India’s foreign policy, particularly in line with its Act East Policy.
The Minister stressed the necessity of enhancing the existing ASEAN-India relations, focusing on cooperation in the field of agriculture. He mentioned India’s active participation in the ASEAN-India Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting and reaffirmed the commitment to collaborating on mutual interests, including food security.
Referring to the successful ASEAN-India Millets Festival, the Minister underscored the collective efforts required to promote millets. Additionally, he announced training programs for ASEAN Member States at various institutions of ICAR, particularly on Post Harvest Agriculture.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, the ASEAN Secretary General, commended India’s efforts in agricultural cooperation within the ASEAN-India framework. He called for expanding collaboration in various sectors such as agriculture products, best practices, exchange programs, climate change, and food security. Dr. Kao emphasized the potential for joint efforts in sustainable agriculture, digital technology promotion, and reduction of harmful agrochemicals, leveraging India’s expertise and scientific knowledge.