India, Afghanistan Hold Talks to Expand Agri-Trade, Research and Irrigation Cooperation

New Delhi, Jul 9 (KNN) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held bilateral talks with Afghanistan's Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Minister Mawlawi Ataullah Omari to review existing cooperation and explore collaboration in agriculture, irrigation, livestock, research, education, capacity building and agri-trade.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in seed systems, crop productivity, irrigation, climate-resilient agriculture, agricultural research, horticulture, dairy, livestock, poultry, fisheries, post-harvest management, digital agriculture and soil health.

India offered support through quality wheat, maize and potato seeds, climate-resilient crop varieties, micro-irrigation, water harvesting, scientific farming, agricultural research, technology transfer and capacity-building programmes through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Afghanistan highlighted priorities including improving wheat productivity, strengthening irrigation and water management, livestock development, agricultural research, agricultural education, technology transfer and agri-business cooperation.

Both sides also discussed expanding bilateral agricultural trade, promoting business-to-business engagement and strengthening agricultural value chains and market access.

The two countries agreed to work towards establishing a Joint Working Group to prepare a roadmap for long-term cooperation in agriculture and livestock.

(KNN Bureau)