India, Southeast Asian Partners Seek Stronger Cooperation in Agriculture

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan led bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry producing commitments from Malaysia, Timor‑Leste and Myanmar to deepen cooperation on research, technology, trade and market access, an official statement said on Thursday.

Chouhan met H.E. Mohamed Bin Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Malaysia, here and both ministers underlined the importance of sharing knowledge, expertise and best practices and expressed interest in strengthening collaboration in joint agricultural research, technology and innovation through a MoU.

They noted that such an MoU will provide an institutional framework for cooperation in areas of mutual interest in agriculture and allied sectors.

Both ministers noted that bilateral issues relating to germplasm exchange, trade, and market access could be addressed through mutual cooperation to strengthen the close and strong partnership between India and Malaysia in Agriculture and related issues.

Minister Chouhan held a separate meeting with H.E. Marcos Da Cruz, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Timor‑Leste, where the latter sought institutional mechanisms to tackle agricultural challenges and ensure national food security.

Chouhan reiterated commitment to share India's best practices to support Timor Leste in advancing their agriculture research and innovation capabilities through exchange of scientists and experts, and human resource development.

Union Minister of Agriculture also met H.E. Min Naung, Union Minister, Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Myanmar.

Both sides shared strong cultural and people-to-people connect for a long time and Myanmar is a close partner for India as it shares approximately 1600 km of border with India.

The ministers noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries is at an advanced stage of finalisation for strengthening the cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.