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ASEAN–India meet reaffirms commitment to climate-resilient agriculture
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Saturday, 12 September, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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The 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry, held in New Delhi on September 9, 2026, reaffirmed India and ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening cooperation towards a food-secure, sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural future.
The meeting was co-chaired by Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, the Philippines, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, India. The discussions focused on practical, farmer-centric cooperation and strengthening the ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in agriculture and forestry.
The Ministers welcomed ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and the ASEAN Food, Agriculture and Forestry Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 as key frameworks for sustainable and resilient development. They also expressed support for the adoption and implementation of the ASEAN–India Medium-Term Plan of Action for Cooperation in Agriculture and Forestry 2026–2030, covering policy dialogue, digital innovation, technology cooperation, joint research, capacity building and farmer exchanges.
Key areas identified for cooperation included climate-resilient agriculture, low-emission rice production, water productivity, AI-enabled digital agriculture, soil health, food safety, post-harvest management, circular bioeconomy, agroforestry and resilient agricultural value chains.
The Ministers stressed the need to strengthen linkages between research institutions, technology developers, extension agencies, the private sector and farmers to accelerate the adoption and scaling up of agricultural innovations.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of improving market connectivity, value addition and agricultural and forestry logistics. The Ministers called for greater cooperation to address challenges arising from climate change, extreme weather events, geopolitical and economic uncertainties, input-market volatility, trade disruptions and transboundary pests and diseases.
A key highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the ‘India–ASEAN Friendship Spike for Agriculture and Forestry’, symbolising the enduring partnership and shared commitment towards cooperation in the sector.
As part of the programme, the visiting dignitaries visited the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, including the Centre of Protected Cultivation, pearl millet and rice fields, the Nanaji Deshmukh Phenomics Facility and the Gene Bank of ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR). The visit showcased India’s advances in crop research, modern farming practices and conservation of plant genetic resources. The delegation was led by Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR.
The ASEAN Ministers and Heads of Delegation also interacted with Indian scientists, researchers and business and industry representatives to explore opportunities for stronger collaboration in research, innovation, technology exchange and industry partnerships. The meeting agreed that the 10th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry will be held in 2028.
Separately, the 10th ASEAN–India Agriculture Working Group Meeting was held in New Delhi on September 8, bringing together 45 delegates from 11 ASEAN Member States. The meeting focused on strengthening ASEAN–India cooperation in agriculture and forestry and was co-chaired by India and the Philippines. India was represented by Dr M.L. Jat, while the Philippines represented the ASEAN Chair.
An exhibition held alongside the Ministerial Meeting showcased ICAR technologies in natural resource management, ICT, animal science, fisheries science and horticultural science. The exhibits highlighted solutions for soil health and resilient farming, the Kisan Sarathi digital advisory platform, African Swine Fever vaccine and disease-forewarning systems, fisheries innovations and horticultural technologies, including diversified crops, spices, value-added products and virus-free potato seed production through aeroponics. A cultural programme was also organised on September 8 to showcase India’s cultural heritage.
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