India Strengthens Agricultural Ties with Nepal and Bhutan During High-Level Bilateral Meetings

Kathmandu: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, led the Indian delegation in a series of high-level bilateral meetings with Nepal and Bhutan, aimed at strengthening agricultural cooperation in the region. The meetings were held during his official visit to Kathmandu and included significant engagements with both Nepalese and Bhutanese counterparts, as well as a dialogue with the Secretary General of BIMSTEC.

In Kathmandu, Minister Chouhan held extensive discussions with Ramnath Adhikari, Nepal’s Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development. The two leaders reviewed existing bilateral cooperation and explored avenues to further enhance collaboration in agriculture, livestock, and allied sectors. The highlight of the meeting was the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation, replacing the earlier MoU signed on December 6, 1991.

The newly signed MoU aims to deepen cooperation in key areas such as crop productivity, post-harvest management, agricultural research, market access, and climate-resilient farming. Both sides also discussed holding Joint Agriculture Working Group (JAWG) meetings under the revised MoU and enhancing collaboration between the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC).

Progress on the proposed Agro-Industrial Park in Chitwan and various agricultural projects under India’s High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) programme in Nepal was reviewed. Discussions also covered institutional partnerships and potential cooperation in the livestock sector.

Minister Chouhan also called on K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed the close ties between the two countries and shared optimism that the newly signed MoU would open new avenues for agricultural development. Minister Chouhan reiterated India’s commitment to support Nepal through the establishment of an agro-industrial park and a fertilizer plant, while both sides discussed ways to resolve market access challenges.

On the regional front, Minister Chouhan met with Indramani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, to explore collaborative opportunities in agriculture among member countries. Highlighting common challenges such as climate change, food security, and resource constraints, the Minister emphasized the need for regional cooperation and shared learning. He expressed India’s readiness to contribute actively through initiatives like the fully funded BIMSTEC Agricultural Scholarship Program, training programmes, and the establishment of the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Agriculture in New Delhi.

As part of his visit, Minister Chouhan also held bilateral talks with Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, Bhutan’s Minister for Agriculture and Livestock. The two sides reviewed ongoing collaboration and discussed plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation in the near future. Emphasis was placed on projects such as irrigation channel development and mega farming initiatives. The Bhutanese side requested additional funding support from India to overcome resource limitations.

The Indian delegation included key officials such as the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava; Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare; Dr. D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR; and Dr. A.K. Mishra, Principal Scientist, ICAR.