Discussions held with Nepal and Maldives to enhance cooperation in the agriculture sector

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Discussions held with Nepal and Maldives to enhance cooperation in the agriculture sector Government of India assures provision of advanced variety seeds to Nepal Agreement reached on cooperation in agricultural research, livestock, and agro-climatic conditions Posted On: 05 FEB 2026 9:49PM by PIB Delhi Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a courtesy meeting today at his residence located at 12, Safdarjung Road, in New Delhi with Nepal’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Shri Dr. Madan Prasad Pariyar, and Maldives’ State Minister for Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Ahmad Hassan Didi. During the meeting, there was an extensive discussion on further strengthening mutual cooperation in the agriculture sector between India, Nepal, and Maldives. The Union Agriculture Minister stated that Nepal and Maldives are close friend nations of India, and the relationships between India and these countries are not only bilateral but also cultural and emotional in nature. In the meeting, deliberations took place on various aspects of agricultural development aligned with agricultural research, advanced seeds, livestock, soil health, and agro-climatic conditions.It was informed in the meeting that the benefits of advanced research work being conducted in the field of agriculture at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Pusa, New Delhi, will also be extended to the advancement of the agriculture sector in Nepal and Maldives. The Government of India has assured the provision of advanced variety seeds to Nepal. Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan mentioned that an existing Memorandum of Understanding is already in place between India and Nepal in the field of agricultural research, under which both countries are collaboratively working in several areas, and there was an agreement to further expand this cooperation. Extensive discussions also took place in the area of livestock.The Union Minister further informed that during the BIMSTEC summit, a Joint Working Group was formed between India and Nepal, through which agricultural cooperation will be made even more effective. With Maldives as well, deliberations were held on cooperation in areas such as soil, advanced seeds, training, and research, tailored to its specific agro-climatic conditions, in which India can play an important role. The meeting was attended by the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Dr. M. L. Jat, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare of Maldives, Mohammad Anees, and senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. In greater detail, this significant meeting underscores the deepening ties in the agricultural domain among these nations, reflecting a commitment to shared progress. The Union Minister emphasised the unique bond that transcends mere diplomatic relations, rooted in shared cultural heritage and emotional affinities that have long characterised interactions between India, Nepal, and Maldives. These relationships provide a strong foundation for collaborative efforts aimed at agricultural enhancement.The discussions covered a broad spectrum of critical topics essential for sustainable agricultural growth. Agricultural research emerged as a cornerstone, with plans to leverage India’s advanced facilities at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Pusa, New Delhi. This institution is renowned for its cutting-edge work, and extending its outcomes to partner nations will directly contribute to improving crop yields, resilience, and productivity in Nepal and Maldives. A key highlight was the assurance from the Government of India to supply advanced variety seeds to Nepal. These high-quality seeds are vital for farmers facing challenges like climate variability and soil degradation, promising better harvests and food security. This commitment builds on the pre-existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Nepal in agricultural research, which has already facilitated joint initiatives in multiple domains. Both sides agreed to broaden the scope of this MoU, exploring new avenues for joint projects and knowledge exchange. Livestock development received focused attention, recognising its importance for rural economies and nutritional security. The conversations delved into strategies for breed improvement, disease management, and sustainable practices, ensuring that livestock sectors in all three countries benefit from collective expertise. Additionally, the formation of a Joint Working Group during the BIMSTEC summit was highlighted as a practical mechanism to operationalise and monitor agricultural cooperation between India and Nepal. This group will streamline efforts, address implementation challenges, and drive tangible outcomes. For Maldives, with its distinct island agro-climatic conditions — characterised by limited arable land, saline soils, and tropical vulnerabilities — the discussions were customised accordingly. Cooperation in soil health management, provision of advanced seeds suited to local environments, capacity-building through training programs, and collaborative research initiatives were thoroughly explored. India’s vast experience positions it ideally to support Maldives in overcoming these unique hurdles, fostering self- reliance in food production. The presence of key dignitaries enriched the proceedings. Dr. M. L. Jat, Director General of ICAR, brought technical insights into research methodologies and innovations. Mohammad Anees, Permanent Secretary from Maldives, contributed perspectives on regional needs, while senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare ensured alignment with national policies. Overall, this meeting marks a proactive step toward regional agricultural integration, promising mutual benefits through enhanced cooperation. It aligns with broader objectives of food security, sustainable development, and economic empowerment in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. *** RC/HR/MK (Release ID: 2224162) Visitor Counter : 272 Read this release in: ही , Gujarati