In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties, India and Italy have initiated discussions to advance collaboration in agriculture and allied sectors. Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, held a meeting with H.E. Ambassador Antonio Bartoli of Italy at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
The talks, held at a high-level meeting between senior officials from both nations, focused on areas such as sustainable agriculture, agri-tech innovation, food processing, and livestock management, aiming to bolster food security and improve farm productivity in both countries.
The Indian delegation, led by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, emphasized India’s commitment to fostering international partnerships to improve agricultural practices and boost rural livelihoods. Italy, known for its advanced agricultural techniques and sustainable farming models, expressed keen interest in sharing its expertise in areas like organic farming, precision agriculture, and high-tech irrigation systems.
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Key points of discussion included collaborative research and development (R&D) projects, knowledge exchange in agri-tech innovations, and enhanced cooperation in dairy, fisheries, and horticulture. Both sides also explored ways to tackle common challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation. Italy’s advanced technologies in waste reduction and sustainable resource management were highlighted as potential solutions for India’s agricultural challenges.
Italy’s representatives, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Policies, proposed setting up joint ventures in food processing and value addition to support small and medium farmers. This aligns with India’s vision of boosting agro-exports and enhancing the global competitiveness of its agricultural products. Both nations also discussed strengthening ties in agribusiness and food safety standards to promote smoother trade relations.
Italy, already a key partner in Europe for India, has expressed interest in increasing imports of Indian agricultural products, including spices, tea, and fruits, while also looking to expand exports of Italian agri-machinery and food products to the Indian market.
As part of the ongoing cooperation, both countries are also considering the creation of a bilateral working group to monitor progress on agricultural projects and facilitate smoother implementation of initiatives. This will likely involve regular exchanges between research institutions, universities, and private sector players to encourage investment and innovation in agriculture.
These discussions come at a time when global food security is a pressing concern, and both India and Italy recognize the need for collaborative efforts to enhance sustainability and resilience in food systems. The potential agreements resulting from this engagement could pave the way for increased cooperation in both traditional and emerging areas of agriculture, benefiting farmers and consumers in both nations.
The Indian and Italian governments are expected to formalize their commitments to these initiatives in the coming months, with several MoUs likely to be signed during official state visits or international forums. This partnership marks a new chapter in India-Italy relations, underscoring agriculture as a key pillar of their bilateral cooperation.