A meeting between Donal Brown, Associate Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), took place at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi today. The meeting marked another step in the ongoing collaboration between India and IFAD, with both parties discussing avenues to strengthen sustainable agriculture and farmer-focused initiatives.
Donal Brown acknowledged India’s role as a founding member of IFAD and emphasized the depth of the partnership between the two. He detailed several collaborative projects supported by IFAD, particularly those targeting the North Eastern and Himalayan regions. These projects focus on building agricultural value chains capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change, while also addressing the needs of women, youth, and tribal communities. Additionally, these initiatives aim to assist marginalized farmers and improve rural infrastructure, contributing to long-term agricultural development.
During the meeting, Dr. Chaturvedi provided an overview of the Ministry’s current priorities. He stressed the importance of addressing food and nutritional security, promoting climate-resilient farming practices, and adopting methods that support sustainable agriculture. He further highlighted efforts to improve farmer incomes through the implementation of innovative and cost-effective solutions.
One of the key points discussed was the sustainability of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which play a vital role in enhancing the economic prospects of small and marginal farmers. Dr. Chaturvedi pointed out the potential of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in supporting agricultural growth and the need for integrated farming systems that could diversify income streams for farmers. He also underscored the importance of fostering entrepreneurship within the agricultural sector by identifying and scaling up successful innovations.
The conversation explored how IFAD’s existing programs align with India’s sustainable agriculture priorities. Dr. Chaturvedi acknowledged the contributions of IFAD in promoting integrated farming models and supporting FPOs. He also noted the organization’s efforts in entrepreneurship development and co-financing initiatives, which have provided critical support to farmers in various parts of the country.
Sustainable Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment: New areas for collaboration
The meeting included discussions aimed at identifying new areas for collaboration that would be incorporated into IFAD’s Country Strategy Plan for India. By aligning future initiatives with the Ministry’s goals, both parties aim to enhance agricultural productivity, improve rural livelihoods, and address challenges such as climate change and resource constraints.
The delegation from IFAD brought valuable perspectives to the meeting, with representatives including Ms. Pieternel Marianne Boogaard, Managing Director of the Office of Technical Delivery; Mr. Abdelkarim Sma, Country Director; Ms. Meera Mishra, Country Programme Coordinator; and Ms. Elisabeth Steinmayr, Programme Officer. Their insights highlighted the importance of adopting a collaborative approach to achieve outcomes that show sustainable agriculture.
On the Indian side, the meeting was attended by Ms. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Additional Secretary of DA&FW, along with Joint Secretaries from the International Cooperation and Marketing divisions. Representatives from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) also participated, bringing their expertise to the discussion.
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The dialogue emphasized the need for continued cooperation to address the pressing challenges faced by India’s agricultural sector. The discussions covered a range of topics, including the development of climate-resilient agricultural practices, the enhancement of rural infrastructure, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Both sides recognized the importance of integrating innovative technologies and practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to work towards strengthening India’s agricultural systems and improving the livelihoods of farmers. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both IFAD and the Indian government, the partnership aims to create an environment where farming communities can thrive using sustainable agriculture practices despite the challenges posed by climate change and limited resources. The updated Country Strategy Plan for IFAD will incorporate these priorities, serving as a roadmap for future collaboration between the two entities.
This engagement reflects a broader effort to align international and national initiatives in agriculture, ensuring that the sector remains resilient and capable of supporting the millions who depend on it for their livelihoods. The ongoing partnership between India and IFAD continues to serve as a model for sustainable agricultural development and farmer empowerment.