India Strengthens Global Agricultural Ties Through Bilateral Meetings at G20 Agriculture Ministerial in Brazil

Cuiabá, Brazil: India took significant strides in enhancing global agricultural cooperation during the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meetings held in Brazil from September 12-14, 2024. Led by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ram Nath Thakur, the Indian delegation engaged in several high-profile bilateral discussions with global agricultural leaders, fostering collaboration in key areas such as agricultural technology, trade, and sustainability.

On September 12, Thakur met with Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Sakamoto. The two ministers expressed their commitment to cooperation in agriculture, particularly in the fields of technology, food processing, and cold storage. The Indian side urged Japan to expedite market access for Indian pomegranates and grapes, while Japan sought access for Japanese cedar. Both nations underscored the need for mutual investment to enhance agricultural sustainability and productivity.

During a meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Host Carlos Fávaro on September 13, Thakur congratulated Brazil on its successful G20 presidency and acknowledged Brazil’s friendly relations with India. Both countries emphasized the importance of scientific collaboration, particularly in ethanol production technology, which will contribute to climate change action. Discussions also included expanding market access for Indian sorghum, rapeseed, cotton, and onions, while Brazil seeks access to the Indian market for citrus fruits.

In another significant dialogue, Thakur met with Xochitl Torres Small, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture of the USA, to advance cooperation under the USDA-MA&FW Dialogue initiative. The focus was on climate-smart agriculture, innovation, and crop insurance. Both countries agreed to share learnings in crop insurance and work toward resolving market access issues, particularly regarding Indian fruits and vegetables and US alfalfa hay fodder.

On September 13, Thakur held discussions with Ophelia Nick, Parliamentary State Secretary of Germany, where both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing Indo-German Joint Working Group on Agriculture. They agreed to strengthen collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence in farming, agroecology, and organic farming. Germany invited Shri Thakur to the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin, further enhancing bilateral cooperation in agricultural innovation.

In a meeting with UK’s Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner, both countries expressed a shared interest in transforming food systems into sustainable agriculture. The UK expressed admiration for India’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and ATMA programs and proposed a joint workshop with ICAR to share expertise in agricultural technology and precision breeding. The ministers also discussed the potential for institutionalizing an agriculture partnership.

Discussions with Spain’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Luis Planas centered around agricultural technology and genomic techniques. Planas expressed gratitude for India’s approval of veterinary certificates for dairy products and sought further cooperation on sanitary and veterinary protocols. The ministers also explored collaboration on climate-resilient agriculture and water-use efficiency.

In a meeting with UAE’s Minister of Environment and Climate  Dr. Amna Al Dahak, the focus was on enhancing agricultural trade and collaboration in vertical farming and high-yield technologies. Both sides highlighted the importance of resilient food systems and agreed to address market access issues through technical teams.