India and ASEAN Strengthen Agricultural Ties: High-Level Delegation Meets Union Agriculture Minister

New Delhi: A high-level delegation led by His Excellency Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), met with Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, today at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi.

Warmly welcoming the delegation, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Arjun Munda underscored the importance India places on its relationship with ASEAN, considering it a crucial pillar of the country’s foreign policy aligned with the Act East Policy. The minister emphasized the need to deepen existing ASEAN-India relations, focusing particularly on cooperation in the field of agriculture.

During the meeting, the Union Agriculture Minister highlighted India’s active participation in the ASEAN-India Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting and reiterated the commitment to addressing mutual interests, with a special emphasis on food security. He recalled the successful celebration of the ASEAN-India Millets Festival, emphasizing the collective effort required to mainstream millets. Furthermore, Shri Munda announced training programs for ASEAN Member States at various institutions of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), including specialized training in Post Harvest Agriculture.

H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN Secretary-General, commended India’s efforts in agricultural cooperation under the ASEAN-India framework. He stressed the necessity to expand collaborative work across various sectors, including agriculture products, best practices, exchange programs, climate change, and food security. Dr. Hourn proposed a joint effort between India and ASEAN towards sustainable agriculture, the promotion of digital technology in the agricultural sector, and the reduction of harmful agrochemicals. He acknowledged India’s expertise and scientific knowledge as valuable assets in addressing these challenges for the benefit of the farming community in ASEAN Member States.

The Union Agriculture and Farmers Affairs Minister reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to supporting and strengthening the India-ASEAN partnership, with a specific focus on enhancing cooperation in the field of agriculture. The discussions concluded with a shared vision of a robust and sustainable collaboration that would contribute to the prosperity of both India and the ASEAN community.