New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with representatives of leading international and multilateral development organisations at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi to discuss strengthening cooperation in India’s agriculture sector.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Discussions focused on aligning long-term development priorities and supporting sustainable initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ welfare and livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Chouhan highlighted India’s transformation from a food-deficit nation to a major exporter of key agricultural commodities. He said the country has achieved food security and is now placing increased emphasis on nutritional security and the creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers. The Minister also noted that India is well-positioned to share its experiences and best practices with other countries, while learning from global innovations and successful models adopted elsewhere.
Representatives of the international organisations outlined key areas for collaboration, including inclusive agriculture, improved market access for small and marginal farmers, and greater focus on youth, women, and farmer organisations. They also emphasised the role of technology and innovation, financing mechanisms, private sector participation, investment, and enhanced research and development. Other areas discussed included digital agriculture, post-harvest infrastructure, promotion of climate-resilient crops, and sustainable natural resource management.
Thanking the participants for their inputs, the Union Minister said the suggestions and insights would be valuable in strengthening long-term planning and policy formulation in the agriculture sector and in further deepening collaboration with international partners.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW); Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE); Additional Secretaries of DA&FW; and other senior officials of the Ministry.
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