Sign in Subscribe
Agricultural industry

India and Bhutan Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in India, and Thinley Namgyel, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) in Bhutan, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu, outlining a framework for enhanced cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors. This MoU marks a significant milestone in India-Bhutan relations, reflecting their shared commitment to food security, sustainable farming, and rural prosperity. The two countries agreed to collaborate in areas such as agricultural research and innovation, livestock health and production, post-harvest management, value chain development, and knowledge sharing. The signing of the MoU was followed by the first session of the Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG), where both countries discussed priority areas for immediate action.

Key Takeaways:

  • The India-Bhutan MoU sets a framework for cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, including agricultural research and innovation, livestock health and production, post-harvest management, value chain development, and knowledge sharing.
  • The MoU reflects the shared commitment of India and Bhutan to food security, sustainable farming, and rural prosperity.
  • The first JTWG session was convened, where both countries agreed on the Terms of Reference and priority areas for immediate action.
  • India's Agriculture Secretary, Devesh Chaturvedi, outlined India's priorities and challenges, highlighting recent initiatives such as digital solutions, climate-resilient agricultural practices, risk mitigation, and improved credit access for farmers.
  • Discussion topics during the JTWG session included cooperation in agriculture, livestock, agricultural marketing and cooperatives, food processing, the seed sector, research and technology collaboration, and capacity building.
  • The two countries agreed to hold the next JTWG meeting in India at a mutually convenient date.

Statistics:

  • The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in multiple areas, including research and innovation, livestock health, post-harvest management, and value chain development.
  • India's recent initiatives in agriculture include digital solutions, climate-resilient agricultural practices, risk mitigation, and improved credit access for farmers.
  • The JTWG session discussed cooperation in agriculture, livestock, agricultural marketing and cooperatives, food processing, and research and technology collaboration.

Sources:

  • "New Delhi, Aug. 29 -- Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, and Thinley Namgyel, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), Royal Government of Bhutan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu to enhance cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors." (https://twitter.com/Indiainbhutan/status/1961057426930799051/photo/1)
  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from New Delhi Times.

Read more