India, Afghanistan agree to form Joint Working Group to promote agricultural cooperation

India, Afghanistan to plan agriculture, livestock collaboration, form a ‘Joint Working Group’ India and Afghanistan have agreed to work towards setting up a Joint Working Group to prepare a long-term roadmap for cooperation in agriculture and livestock. The move comes as part of an effort to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. The agreement was reached during the recent visit of a high-level Afghan delegation to India to discuss various areas of collaboration..

The Afghan delegation, led by Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Abdul Latif Nazari, met with his Indian counterpart Narendra Singh Tomar in New Delhi. The two ministers deliberated on various aspects of agrarian cooperation, including the sharing of agricultural technology and expertise. Officials from both sides have confirmed that a joint statement has been issued outlining the framework for cooperation..

According to sources within the Indian government, the Joint Working Group will focus on identifying areas of mutual interest in the spheres of agriculture and livestock. The working group will engage in a thorough analysis of the existing strengths and areas of concern in both countries. This effort aims to lay the groundwork for future collaborations..

A senior official with the Indian Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated that discussions on the formation of the Joint Working Group began several months ago. They emphasized that the creation of this body will bring significant benefits to both nations, promoting greater food security, improved agricultural production, and better livelihoods for farmers. During their meeting, Minister Tomar briefed the Afghan delegation on various Indian initiatives aimed at ensuring the well-being of farmers..

He highlighted government programs such as the Soil Health Card Scheme, which has been instrumental in boosting the productivity of Indian farms. The Indian government has also been promoting organic farming, with a focus on making Indian agriculture more climate-resilient. The Afghan delegation also expressed interest in acquiring Indian know-how on drip irrigation systems, which they believe will greatly benefit Afghan farmers..

Afghanistan’s geography is characterized by arid lands and harsh climate conditions, factors that make the implementation of efficient irrigation systems critical for agricultural productivity. In return, the Afghan side offered expertise on wool production and sheep breeding. Afghan officials believe that there is immense potential for cooperation in this area, and that the expertise gained from working with international partners could prove beneficial..

It is worth noting that agricultural cooperation has been a vital component of India-Afghan bilateral relations for many years. Since 2002, India has been providing support to Afghanistan through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Program. Under this framework, India has been implementing a range of development projects, including agricultural infrastructure development and capacity-building programs for Afghan farmers..

Afghanistan’s agricultural sector has faced significant challenges since the withdrawal of international forces in 2021. Climate change, conflict, and economic hardships have severely impacted agricultural production and farmers’ livelihoods in the country. This new collaboration offers hope to those who have been affected by these challenges..

As part of the joint efforts, the Indian side has indicated its willingness to provide training and capacity-building programs to Afghan agriculture officials and farmers. The training will focus on modern agricultural techniques, including precision farming and soil conservation. Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Abdul Latif Nazari has stated that Afghanistan aims to be largely self-sufficient in food production within the next five years..

He added that international collaborations such as this one will be crucial in achieving this goal, especially considering the pressing need for climate-resilient agricultural practices. The establishment of a Joint Working Group signals significant potential for India and Afghanistan to strengthen their agricultural ties. By pooling their expertise and sharing experiences, both nations can work towards a more sustainable future for their farming populations..

The long-term cooperation in agriculture and livestock is expected to benefit not just the countries involved but also their farmers. This collaboration could play a major role in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable living, and boosting agricultural productivity. The recent agreement also highlights India’s renewed efforts to strengthen its strategic relationships and expand its presence in the region..

This commitment is part of the government’s broader strategy to build partnerships in the region and enhance cooperation on a range of issues..