India and Germany took a significant step toward deepening their agricultural partnership during a meeting held on January 15, 2025, in New Delhi. The discussion brought together Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, India’s Agriculture Secretary, and Dr. Philipp Ackermann, the German Ambassador, who explored ways to boost collaboration in organic farming, advanced post-harvest technologies, and agricultural mechanization.
The meeting reflected the enduring friendship between the two nations, with Dr. Chaturvedi highlighting past successes in agricultural innovation and trade. “Our partnership with Germany has always been about finding sustainable and innovative solutions for farmers,” he said, adding that ongoing initiatives such as Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) and Joint Declarations of Intent (JDIs) have laid a strong foundation for future collaboration.
Shared Goals for a Better Tomorrow
Organic and natural farming took center stage during the talks, with both sides agreeing on the need to promote soil health, enhance productivity, and reduce environmental impact. Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), modernizing the seed sector, and encouraging sustainable practices were other key areas of focus.
Digital agriculture was also identified as a game-changer, with discussions centered on leveraging technology to improve farming methods, boost exports, and enhance trade opportunities. Dr. Ackermann underscored Germany’s commitment to supporting India’s agricultural transformation. “India’s vision for sustainable agriculture aligns closely with Germany’s priorities,” he noted, emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaboration.
A Vision for the Future
The meeting also set the stage for the upcoming Joint Working Group (JWG) discussions, expected to further strengthen ties and explore new opportunities in food processing, capacity building, and horticultural exports. Both sides reiterated their commitment to addressing shared challenges and creating a sustainable future for agriculture.
“This is more than just a dialogue—it’s a partnership aimed at improving the lives of farmers in both nations,” said Dr. Chaturvedi.
The German delegation included Minister Counsellor Alexandre Callegaro and Counsellor Ingeborg Bayer, while India was represented by Dr. P.K. Meherda, Additional Secretary (DA & FW), and senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that this Indo-German collaboration is not just about advancing technology and trade—it’s about building a resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem for future generations.