Ms. Ana Taban, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to India, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi.

Welcoming the Ambassador, Dr. Chaturvedi emphasized the cordial bilateral relations between India and Moldova. He highlighted India’s key priorities in the agricultural sector, including achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses, promoting crop diversification, advancing the Digital Agriculture Mission, and implementing policies to improve service delivery to farmers. Dr. Chaturvedi also spoke about the establishment of the Clean Plant Programme to ensure access to disease-free horticultural planting material, as well as the National Mission on Natural Farming aimed at enhancing sustainability.

Ambassador Ana Taban provided an overview of Moldova’s agricultural sector, outlining the challenges it faces. She also highlighted Moldova’s robust network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with several countries, underscoring the potential market opportunities for trade.

Ambassador also discussed about status of approval of setting up a Joint Working Group (JWG) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and market access of apples with Secretary, A&FW for early favourable consideration.

Highlighting the potential areas for collaboration post-signing of the MoU, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), A&FW, emphasized the scope for knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, research and development collaboration with agricultural universities, and opportunities for trade in farm equipment between India and Moldova.

The meeting was also attended by Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Additional Secretary (PP), Joint Secretary(IC), Joint Secretary (PP), A&FW, a representative from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ms. Lucia Gulatee, Assistant at the Embassy of Moldova.

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