Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today held a bilateral meeting with the Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan H.E. Mawlawi Ataullah Omari and the accompanying delegation to review the existing agricultural partnership between the two countries and discuss new avenues for cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, livestock, agricultural research, education, capacity building and agri-trade. Senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) participated in the discussions.

Welcoming the Afghan delegation, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that India and Afghanistan share centuries-old civilizational ties founded on trust, friendship and strong people-to-people relations. Reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening the bilateral agricultural partnership, he said India remains ready to share its scientific expertise, technological innovations and institutional experience to support Afghanistan's food security, agricultural productivity and farmers' prosperity.

Food security, seed systems and crop productivity emerged as key areas of discussion. The Afghan side highlighted the importance of wheat to its agricultural economy and sought India's cooperation in improving wheat productivity through advanced seed technologies and research collaboration. Shri Chouhan conveyed India's readiness to support Afghanistan through quality wheat, maize and potato seeds, climate-resilient and biofortified crop varieties, and scientific expertise of ICAR institutions to strengthen Afghanistan's seed systems and agricultural production.

Water management and climate-resilient agriculture figured prominently during the meeting. The Afghan delegation highlighted the challenges posed by water scarcity and climate change and sought cooperation in irrigation, water harvesting and watershed development. Shri Chouhan shared India's experience in micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, check dams and efficient water-use technologies, and expressed India's willingness to support Afghanistan in developing sustainable irrigation systems and climate-resilient farming practices.

The two Ministers also discussed expanding collaboration in agricultural research, education and capacity building. Shri Chouhan proposed strengthening partnerships between ICAR and Afghanistan's agricultural institutions through joint research, faculty and student exchanges, laboratory support and training programmes for scientists, extension personnel, veterinarians and agricultural professionals. Discussions also covered cooperation in horticulture, dairy, livestock, poultry, fisheries, animal health, post-harvest management, digital agriculture and soil health management.

H.E. Mawlawi Ataullah Omari appreciated India's continued support to Afghanistan's agriculture sector and reaffirmed his country's commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation. He highlighted Afghanistan's priorities, including improving wheat productivity through quality seed systems, strengthening irrigation and water management, promoting livestock development, enhancing agricultural research and expanding capacity-building initiatives. He also sought greater cooperation in agricultural education, technology transfer, agri-business and private sector engagement.

Both sides recognised the significant potential to expand bilateral agricultural trade and private sector engagement. Discussions focused on promoting trade in agricultural commodities, quality seeds and value-added products, while encouraging business-to-business cooperation. The Afghan side also sought India's support in strengthening agricultural value chains and enhancing market access for its farm products.

Senior officials of ICAR presented an overview of the long-standing agricultural cooperation between the two countries and highlighted ongoing collaboration in agricultural research, irrigation, germplasm exchange, watershed management and human resource development. They reaffirmed ICAR's commitment to further expanding cooperation in wheat research, horticulture, livestock, dairy, fisheries and agricultural technology.

Both sides agreed to work towards constituting a Joint Working Group to prepare a structured roadmap for long-term cooperation in agriculture and livestock, facilitate regular institutional engagement and identify new areas of collaboration based on mutual priorities.

Concluding the meeting, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed confidence that the discussions would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between India and Afghanistan and open new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture. He reiterated India's commitment to working closely with Afghanistan through research, innovation, technology transfer and capacity building to promote sustainable agriculture, food security and the prosperity of farmers in both countries.

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RC/PU