Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held separate bilateral meetings with the Agriculture Ministers of Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Myanmar in New Delhi on Wednesday, with discussions focusing on agricultural research, technology, food security, trade and institutional cooperation.
The meetings were held on the sidelines of the 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (9th AIMMAF), organised by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi from September 8-9.
India-Malaysia cooperation
During his meeting with Malaysian Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mohamed Bin Sabu, Chouhan discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.
The two sides stressed the importance of sharing knowledge, expertise and best practices and expressed interest in expanding collaboration in joint agricultural research, technology and innovation.
The Ministers also discussed the possibility of establishing an institutional framework for cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering areas of mutual interest.
Issues relating to germplasm exchange, trade and market access were also discussed. Both sides noted that greater cooperation in these areas could further strengthen the close partnership between India and Malaysia in agriculture and allied sectors.
India-Timor-Leste focus on food security
In his meeting with Timor-Leste’s Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos Da Cruz, Chouhan reiterated India’s commitment to supporting the country’s agricultural development.
The Timor-Leste side expressed interest in establishing a stronger institutional mechanism with India to address challenges in agriculture and strengthen food security.
Chouhan said India was ready to share its best practices and support Timor-Leste in strengthening its agricultural research and innovation capabilities through the exchange of scientists and experts as well as human resource development.
Timor-Leste also proposed that India consider deputing a team of technical and scientific experts to the country to assess ground-level challenges and provide technical recommendations in agriculture, forestry, livestock and aquaculture.
India-Myanmar discuss MoU and trade
During his meeting with Myanmar’s Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Min Naung, Chouhan highlighted the longstanding cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Chouhan said Myanmar remains a close partner for India, noting the two countries share around 1,600 km of border.
The two sides discussed the proposed MoU on cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, which is at an advanced stage of finalisation.
The discussions also focused on expanding agricultural trade between the two countries. Both sides identified potential areas including pulses, cotton, dairy development and agricultural education.
The Myanmar side also highlighted investment opportunities in the country, with a focus on strengthening economic and agricultural ties with India.
