New Delhi: In a move to bolster agricultural ties, Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner, met with Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, at Krishi Bhawan on Tuesday. The meeting served as a vital platform to deepen the bilateral relationship between India and Australia and explore collaborative opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors.
Dr. Chaturvedi highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two nations, emphasizing India’s priorities in agriculture, which include achieving food security, enhancing farmers’ incomes, and improving nutritional security. Key initiatives outlined during the discussion included:
- Crop Diversification: Encouraging sustainable farming practices to reduce dependency on single crops.
- Export Promotion: Boosting India’s agricultural exports to meet global demand.
- Self-sufficiency in Oilseeds and Pulses: Reducing reliance on imports by increasing domestic production.
- Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Empowering farmers through collective initiatives.
- Adoption of Technology: Advancing precision agriculture, the Digital Agriculture Mission, and mechanization of small farms.
Dr. Chaturvedi also recognized the transformative role of startups in fostering innovation within the agricultural sector, positioning India as a growing hub for agritech advancements.
Green reciprocated by outlining Australia’s agricultural priorities and expressing interest in deepening ties with India. He emphasized the potential for collaboration in agritech, particularly in areas like digital agriculture, sustainable farming solutions, and agricultural machinery. Green also stressed the need to strengthen trade partnerships to unlock mutual growth opportunities in the sector.
Both parties agreed to advance cooperation in key areas, including horticulture, agri-tech, and digital farming innovations. Discussions also touched on the need to share best practices and promote technology exchange to drive agricultural productivity and sustainability.
The meeting included participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, ICAR representatives, and the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, who provided valuable insights, enriching the dialogue.
The visit by Green underscores the growing importance of India-Australia collaboration in agriculture. As the two nations work together to address global challenges in food security and agricultural sustainability, this partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sector.
