**Summary:**
On August 28, 2025, in Thimphu, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Bhutan (MoAL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance technical cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors. The signatories were Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, and Mr. Thinley Namgyel, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan.
The MoU aims to foster collaboration in agricultural research and innovation, livestock health and production, postharvest management, value chain development, and the exchange of knowledge, skills, and expertise. The first session of the Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) was convened immediately following the signing, where both countries agreed on the Terms of Reference for the JTWG and identified priority areas for immediate collaborative action.
Shri Chaturvedi shared India's agricultural priorities, challenges, and innovative initiatives, including digital solutions, climate-resilient practices, risk mitigation, and farmer credit. Detailed discussions during the JTWG session covered Agriculture, Livestock, Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives, Food Processing, the Seed Sector, Research Technology Collaboration, and Capacity Building. The next JTWG meeting is scheduled to be held in India at a mutually agreed-upon date.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: The Indian ministry responsible for agriculture and farmers' welfare.
Bhutan: A country in South Asia, and a partner with India in the MoU for technical cooperation in agriculture.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): An agreement between India and Bhutan on technical cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.
Thimphu: The capital city of Bhutan, where the MoU was signed and the first Joint Technical Working Group meeting was held.
Shri Devesh Chaturvedi: Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
Thinley Namgyel: Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), Royal Government of Bhutan.
Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG): A working group established to implement the MoU between India and Bhutan, focusing on priority areas of collaboration.
Delhi: Location of Press Information Bureau (PIB), where the release was posted.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
India And Bhutan Sign MoU on Technical
Cooperation in Agriculture and Allied Sectors
1st Joint Technical Working Group Meeting Held in
Thimphu
Two Countries Decide To Strengthen Cooperation in
Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Posted On: 28 AUG 2025 4:27PM by PIB Delhi
Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India and
Mr. Thinley Namgyel, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), Royal Government of
Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimpu to further strengthen cooperation in the
fields of agriculture and allied sectors.
The signing of MoU represents a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between India and Bhutan,
reflecting the two countries’ shared commitment to food security, sustainable farming, and rural prosperity. It
will serve as a framework for collaboration in various areas outlined in the MoU including agricultural
research and innovation, livestock health and production, post-harvest management, value chain development,
and the exchange of knowledge, skills, and expertise.In order to implement the MoU, the first session of Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) was convened
following the signing wherein the two countries agreed on the Terms of Reference for JTWG and priority
areas of collaboration for immediate actions. Both sides underscored the significance of the meeting as a key
milestone in deepening bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture and allied sectors.
Shri Chaturvedi shared the priorities, challenges and also highlighted a series of innovative initiatives
launched by the government of India to strengthen the agricultural sector. The new initiative included the use
of digital solutions, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, risk mitigation, and credit to the
farmers.
During the JTWG session both sides held detailed discussions on key areas of cooperation including
Agriculture, Livestock, Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives, Food Processing, Seed Sector, Research &
Technology Collaboration, and Capacity Building.
The two sides agreed to hold the next JTWG meeting in India at a mutually convenient date. The visit of the
Agriculture Secretary to Bhutan is in keeping with the well-established tradition of regular exchanges between
India and Bhutan, and to further strengthen the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between the
two countries.
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RC/KSR/AR(Release ID: 2161539)