India, Afghanistan Boost Agricultural Cooperation

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a bilateral meeting with Afghanistan's Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two countries and expand collaboration across key areas of the farm sector.

During the meeting, India offered its expertise in climate-resilient agriculture, digital farming, soil health management, micro-irrigation, post-harvest management, agricultural education, research, and capacity building. The discussions reflected the shared commitment of both nations to enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices.

A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to work towards establishing a Joint Working Group (JWG), which will prepare a comprehensive roadmap for long-term agricultural cooperation. The proposed mechanism is expected to facilitate regular dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the implementation of collaborative initiatives in the agriculture sector.

Reaffirming India's commitment to Afghanistan's agricultural transformation, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said India remains ready to support the country through the supply of quality seeds, agricultural research, modern irrigation techniques, technology transfer, and farmer capacity-building programmes.

The meeting underscores the growing partnership between India and Afghanistan in agriculture, with both sides aiming to leverage innovation, sustainable farming practices, and institutional cooperation to improve food security and rural livelihoods.

The renewed collaboration is expected to pave the way for stronger bilateral ties while contributing to agricultural development and long-term sustainability in the region.