Brisbane hosted a high-level roundtable discussion focused on strengthening agricultural collaboration between Queensland and India. The discussions covered trade opportunities, technological cooperation, and research partnerships aimed at enhancing agricultural production and investment. Organized by the Australia India Business Council (AIBC), the event brought together representatives from government agencies, industry bodies, agriculture experts, and businesses from both countries.
Key topics included the potential cultivation of pigeon pea (toor dal) and millets in Queensland for export to India, the adaptation of agricultural technology for India’s small-scale farms, and closer engagement between research institutions in both countries.
The event was held alongside AgriFutures evokeAG, Australia’s premier agtech conference in Brisbane, which attracted a delegation of Indian businesses seeking new opportunities for collaboration. The roundtable received support from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in New Delhi and Brisbane, the Department of Primary Industries (Queensland) and Trade and Investment Queensland.
Expanding Trade and Investment in Agriculture
Discussions at the roundtable highlighted new opportunities in agricultural trade between Queensland and India. Queensland will assess the feasibility of growing pigeon pea and millet to meet India’s rising demand for these crops. If implemented, this could open new export channels and strengthen trade relations in the agricultural sector.
Technology and innovation in farming practices were also at the center of discussions. Australian agtech companies explored how their technologies could be adapted for India’s agricultural landscape, particularly for small-scale farmers who operate on smaller landholdings compared to Australian counterparts. There was also a focus on working with India’s Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to introduce Australian agtech solutions, making modern farming tools more accessible to Indian farmers.
The roundtable further examined how India’s strengths in data, technology, and manufacturing could support agtech companies in Australia. There was recognition of the potential for collaboration in these areas, allowing Australian businesses to benefit from India’s established expertise. Participants also emphasized the role of university research institutions in strengthening agricultural ties, with discussions on securing support from international development organizations to sustain long-term research initiatives.
Strengthening Trade Relations Under AIECTA
The discussions were held against the backdrop of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AIECTA), which has played a key role in facilitating agricultural trade between the two nations since its implementation in 2022. The agreement led to tariff reductions on a range of agricultural products, creating new market opportunities and encouraging industry engagement. India has now become Queensland’s fourth-largest goods export market, with bilateral trade expanding across multiple sectors, including life sciences, energy, sports, education, and technology. The roundtable discussions reinforced the importance of maintaining this momentum and expanding cooperation in agriculture and agtech.
The event was organized by AIBC Queensland President Namrata Datt, Committee Member Jinendra Khara GAICD, ACEcD, and Secretariat Kritika Bansal. Several key figures from government and industry were present, including Salvo Vitelli, Elton Miller, and Kaye Nunan from the Department of Primary Industries (Queensland); Tony Burnett and Gabrielle Troon from Trade and Investment Queensland; and Dr. Asha Sundaramurthy from Austrade. India’s Consul General in Brisbane, Neetu Bhaagotia, also attended, highlighting the diplomatic engagement in the discussions.
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Queensland Delegation to Visit India for Further Engagement
Following the roundtable, Queensland’s Governor, Dr. Jeannette Young AC PSM, and Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment, and Training, Ros Bates MP RN, are preparing for a strategic visit to India. Their itinerary includes meetings in Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Mumbai, where they will engage with key stakeholders to explore new trade and investment opportunities.
As part of the visit, the delegation will participate in BioAsia 2025, a global forum focused on life sciences. The event is expected to facilitate discussions on health-tech, biopharmaceuticals, and investment in medical research, adding to the broader trade and economic engagement between Queensland and India. The visit aims to build on the outcomes of the Brisbane roundtable and further expand areas of collaboration.
Future of Agricultural Cooperation Between Queensland and India
The roundtable discussions underscored the growing trade relationship between Queensland and India in the agricultural sector. With an emphasis on expanding exports, introducing new technologies, and fostering research collaboration, both countries are set to explore new possibilities in the coming years. As trade agreements continue to support economic engagement, further investments in agriculture and technology are expected to strengthen long-term partnerships. The outcomes of these discussions will play a role in shaping future cooperation between the two regions, benefiting businesses, farmers, and research institutions in both countries.
