India and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to deepening agricultural cooperation at the 8th Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Agriculture, held on 19 March at the National Agricultural Science Complex, PUSA, New Delhi. The meeting focused on key areas such as digital agriculture, mechanization, the seed sector, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
High-Level Dialogue on Agricultural Cooperation
The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Alka Upadhyay, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Ms. Silvia Bender, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Delegates from both countries engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing collaboration in various agricultural sectors, aligning with the broader Indo-German strategic partnership.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Upadhyay emphasized the strong and evolving agricultural partnership between India and Germany. She highlighted the importance of digital innovations in agriculture and praised the ongoing collaborations in agroecology, seed production, and sustainable farming practices. “The agricultural trade between our nations is a testament to our growing ties, and we are committed to exploring new avenues for cooperation,” she stated.
Ms. Bender echoed similar sentiments, expressing Germany’s appreciation for its agricultural partnership with India. She underscored the need for joint efforts in addressing common challenges and stressed Germany’s willingness to share expertise and innovative solutions. “Our collaboration can pave the way for sustainable agricultural advancements benefiting both nations,” she noted.
India’s Agricultural Achievements and Policy Initiatives
During the meeting, Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu provided an overview of India’s agricultural progress and its crucial role in global food security. He detailed key government initiatives, including:
Digital Agriculture Mission – leveraging technology for smarter farming solutions.
Lakhpati Didi Program and Krishi Sakhi – empowering women farmers.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) – strengthening the role of small-scale farmers.
Natural and Organic Farming, Crop Insurance, and e-NAM – promoting sustainability and risk mitigation.
AgriSURE – enhancing agricultural resilience through innovation.
Focus on Digital Agriculture and Mechanization
Dr. Pramod Mehreda highlighted the transformative role of digital agriculture, particularly in pest and disease management. Discussions also covered artificial intelligence, automation, and mechanization, with both sides agreeing to share best practices and technological advancements.
Broad Participation from Both Nations
The German delegation included representatives from BMEL, its affiliated agencies, and agricultural institutions. On the Indian side, senior officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the Department of Fisheries, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) participated in the deliberations.
Strengthening Indo-German Agricultural Collaboration
The meeting reinforced the commitment of both nations to enhancing agricultural sustainability and food security through joint initiatives. As India and Germany continue to strengthen their agricultural ties, the discussions at this JWG meeting are expected to pave the way for further advancements in technology-driven and sustainable farming solutions.
