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India, Afghanistan strengthen ties in agri-trade
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Friday, 10 July, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our bureau, Mumbai
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India and Afghanistan have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, livestock, research and agri-trade following high-level talks between Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Afghanistan's Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, H.E. Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, in New Delhi.
The bilateral meeting reviewed the existing agricultural partnership between the two countries and explored new areas of collaboration, including agricultural research, education, capacity building, climate-resilient farming and private sector engagement. Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also participated in the discussions.
Welcoming the Afghan delegation, Chouhan said India and Afghanistan share centuries-old civilizational ties built on trust, friendship and strong people-to-people relations. Reaffirming India's commitment to supporting Afghanistan's agriculture sector, he said India remains ready to share its scientific expertise, technological innovations and institutional experience to enhance food security, agricultural productivity and farmers' welfare.
Food security and crop productivity emerged as key focus areas during the talks. The Afghan delegation highlighted the importance of wheat to its agricultural economy and sought India's support in improving wheat yields through advanced seed technologies and research collaboration. In response, Chouhan expressed India's willingness to provide quality wheat, maize and potato seeds, climate-resilient and biofortified crop varieties, along with scientific support from ICAR institutions to strengthen Afghanistan's seed systems.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in water management and climate-resilient agriculture. Afghanistan sought India's expertise in addressing water scarcity through irrigation, watershed development and water harvesting initiatives. Chouhan shared India's experience in micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, check dams and efficient water-use technologies, and offered support in developing sustainable irrigation systems and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Expanding collaboration in agricultural research, education and capacity building also featured prominently in the discussions. Chouhan proposed stronger institutional partnerships between ICAR and Afghanistan's agricultural institutions through joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, laboratory support and training programmes for scientists, veterinarians, extension workers and agricultural professionals.
The discussions also covered cooperation in horticulture, dairy, livestock, poultry, fisheries, animal health, post-harvest management, digital agriculture and soil health management.
Omari appreciated India's continued support to Afghanistan's agriculture sector and reiterated his country's commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation. He outlined Afghanistan's priorities, including improving wheat productivity through better seed systems, strengthening irrigation infrastructure, promoting livestock development, enhancing agricultural research and expanding capacity-building programmes. He also sought greater collaboration in agricultural education, technology transfer, agribusiness and private sector participation.
Recognising the untapped potential for bilateral agricultural trade, both sides discussed measures to promote trade in agricultural commodities, quality seeds and value-added products while encouraging business-to-business partnerships. Afghanistan also sought India's assistance in strengthening agricultural value chains and improving market access for its farm products.
Officials from ICAR presented an overview of the long-standing agricultural cooperation between the two countries and highlighted ongoing collaboration in agricultural research, irrigation, germplasm exchange, watershed management and human resource development. They reaffirmed ICAR's commitment to expanding cooperation in wheat research, horticulture, livestock, dairy, fisheries and agricultural technology.
The two countries agreed to work towards establishing a Joint Working Group to prepare a structured roadmap for long-term cooperation in agriculture and livestock, facilitate regular institutional engagement and identify new areas of collaboration based on shared priorities.
Concluding the meeting, Chouhan expressed confidence that the discussions would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between India and Afghanistan while opening new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation. He reiterated India's commitment to working closely with Afghanistan through research, innovation, technology transfer and capacity building to promote sustainable agriculture, food security and farmers' prosperity in both countries.
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