NEW DELHI, Sep 10: India is looking to deepen agricultural cooperation with Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Myanmar, with discussions focusing on research, modern technology, innovation, trade and better market access.
The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 9th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry, where Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the three countries.
During the meeting with Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamed Bin Sabu, both sides explored ways to strengthen cooperation in agricultural research, technology and innovation. The two countries also discussed the possibility of an agreement that could provide a formal framework for sharing expertise and developing joint initiatives in agriculture and allied sectors.
Issues related to germplasm exchange, agricultural trade and market access were also discussed. Greater cooperation in these areas could help both countries share improved agricultural resources, strengthen research capabilities and create new opportunities for farmers and agri-businesses.
India also held discussions with Timor-Leste on strengthening the country’s agricultural research and innovation capabilities. Timor-Leste sought greater institutional cooperation to address challenges related to agriculture and food security.
India expressed its willingness to share its experience and best practices with Timor-Leste through exchanges involving scientists, agricultural experts and other professionals. Such cooperation could help build local skills and strengthen the country’s ability to adopt modern farming and research practices.
In the meeting with Myanmar, both sides discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors. The two countries share long-standing cultural and people-to-people ties, while their geographical proximity also provides scope for stronger agricultural and trade linkages.
The proposed India-Myanmar Memorandum of Understanding on agriculture and allied sectors is at an advanced stage of finalisation, which could provide a stronger institutional framework for future cooperation.
The growing engagement with the three countries reflects India’s wider effort to build stronger agricultural partnerships in the region. Cooperation in technology, research and innovation can help countries address common challenges such as climate change, food security, productivity and sustainable farming.
For farmers and agri-businesses, stronger international partnerships can create opportunities to access new technologies, improve farming practices and explore wider markets. Greater cooperation in agricultural trade can also strengthen regional supply chains and open new avenues for investment and collaboration.
The latest discussions highlight India’s focus on using agricultural knowledge, technology and international partnerships to strengthen food security while creating new opportunities for farmers, researchers and businesses across the region.
