The 8th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on agricultural cooperation between India and Germany was held today at the National Agricultural Science Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Alka Upadhyay, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Ms. Silvia Bender, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).
The discussions covered several key areas, including digital agriculture, the seed sector, mechanization and technology, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
In her welcome address, Ms. Alka Upadhyay emphasized the strong bilateral ties between India and Germany, highlighting the significance of collaboration in digital agriculture. She acknowledged the increasing agricultural trade between the two nations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering partnerships in agroecology, seed production, and sustainable farming practices.
Ms. Silvia Bender appreciated the enduring India-Germany partnership and reiterated Germany’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors. She pointed out common challenges faced by both countries and stressed the need for innovative solutions and joint efforts in the agricultural sector.
During the meeting, Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture, presented an overview of India’s agricultural progress and its key role in global food security. He detailed several government initiatives, including:
These initiatives aim to modernize the agricultural sector and boost rural development.
Dr. Pramod Mehreda emphasized the importance of digital agriculture and highlighted the need to exchange best practices in utilizing digital technologies for pest and disease management.
The meeting also included extensive discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), agricultural digitization, mechanization, seed development, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries, emphasizing ways to strengthen cooperation in these domains.
Participation from India and Germany:
The German delegation comprised representatives from BMEL and its affiliated institutions. On the Indian side, the meeting was attended by:
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
