India, Bhutan Sign MoU to Strengthen Cooperation in Agriculture and Allied Sectors

Thimphu: India and Bhutan have taken another step towards deepening their long-standing partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agriculture and allied sectors in Thimphu. The MoU was signed between Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, and Thinley Namgyel, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), Royal Government of Bhutan.

The agreement is expected to serve as a robust framework for collaboration in key areas such as agricultural research and innovation, livestock health and production, post-harvest management, value chain development, and the exchange of knowledge, skills, and expertise. Officials noted that the MoU reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to ensuring food security, promoting sustainable farming, and enhancing rural prosperity.

Following the signing, the first session of the Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) was convened, where both sides adopted the Terms of Reference and identified priority areas for immediate action. The meeting was described as a key milestone in bilateral cooperation, marking the start of structured collaboration under the new agreement.

During the discussions, Chaturvedi outlined India’s priorities and challenges in the farm sector, highlighting digital solutions, climate-resilient agricultural practices, risk mitigation, and improved access to credit as part of the government’s ongoing initiatives to modernize agriculture.

The JTWG session also covered detailed deliberations on cooperation in agriculture, livestock, agricultural marketing and cooperatives, food processing, seed sector, research and technology collaboration, and capacity building.

Both sides agreed to hold the next JTWG meeting in India at a mutually convenient date. The visit of India’s Agriculture Secretary to Bhutan was described as part of the tradition of regular high-level exchanges, further cementing the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two neighbours.