New Delhi: India is looking to deepen agricultural cooperation with Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Myanmar, with a focus on research, technology, trade, food security and capacity building.
Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the three countries in New Delhi on September 9 on the sidelines of the 9th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AIMMAF).
During talks with Malaysia’s agriculture and food security minister Mohamed Bin Sabu, both sides discussed greater exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices in agriculture and allied sectors.
The two countries expressed interest in establishing an institutional framework through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote joint agricultural research, technology and innovation.
Issues related to germplasm exchange, trade and market access were also discussed, with both sides stressing the need for closer cooperation to strengthen agricultural ties.
In his meeting with Timor-Leste’s agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry minister Marcos Da Cruz, Chouhan reiterated India’s willingness to share its agricultural experience and best practices.
The discussions focused on strengthening institutional cooperation and improving Timor-Leste’s research and innovation capabilities through exchanges of scientists, experts and other human resources.
Timor-Leste also proposed that India consider sending a team of technical and scientific experts to assess challenges on the ground and provide recommendations covering agriculture, forestry, livestock and aquaculture.
The initiative is aimed at supporting the country’s efforts to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.
Chouhan also met Myanmar’s Union agriculture, livestock and irrigation minister Min Naung, where both sides reviewed the progress of an MoU on agricultural and allied-sector cooperation.
Chouhan highlighted the longstanding cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Myanmar, noting their shared border of around 1,600 km.
The two sides discussed opportunities to expand agricultural trade, particularly in pulses, cotton, dairy development and agricultural education.
Myanmar also highlighted investment opportunities in the country, with both sides agreeing that stronger cooperation in mutually identified areas could help expand economic and agricultural ties.
The meetings were held during the 9th AIMMAF, organised by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in New Delhi on September 8-9.
