India and South Africa Deepen Agricultural Cooperation
The 5th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Agriculture between India and South Africa was held virtually on 27 August 2025. The discussions underscored agriculture as a cornerstone of bilateral ties and highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration in allied sectors.
Strengthening Bilateral Agricultural Partnership
The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary (IC), Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, and Mr. Thapsana Molepo, Acting Director, International Trade Promotion, South Africa. Senior officials from both nations, including representatives of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Department of Fisheries, and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, also participated.
Both sides described the meeting as a key milestone in advancing mutual cooperation in agriculture, technology, and food security.
India’s Achievements Highlighted
Speaking at the meeting, Shri Sahu emphasized India’s remarkable progress in agriculture. He outlined how government policies and programs are empowering farmers through:
- Adoption of digital solutions in agriculture.
- Promotion of climate-resilient practices.
- Enhanced risk mitigation measures.
- Strengthened credit and insurance initiatives.
He stressed that India’s agricultural growth model could serve as a learning platform for South Africa and other developing economies.
South Africa’s Priorities
Mr. Molepo shared South Africa’s priorities in the agriculture sector. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with India and highlighted areas such as:
- Expanding extension services for farmers.
- Capacity building and training in new technologies.
- Strengthening the seed sector.
He welcomed India’s partnership in addressing pressing agricultural challenges, including productivity and sustainability.
Focus on Research and Knowledge Sharing
One of the key outcomes was the decision to deepen collaboration between the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa and ICAR. Discussions covered:
- Joint research projects in sustainable agriculture.
- Knowledge exchange on new farming technologies.
- Capacity building programs for young researchers.
- Improved market access for agricultural products.
Both countries agreed that stronger research linkages would benefit farmers, researchers, and agribusiness stakeholders in the long run.
Looking Ahead
The Joint Working Group emphasized that agricultural cooperation between India and South Africa is not just about trade, but also about shared learning and resilience. The collaboration has the potential to address global challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable farming practices.
Experts believe that with regular engagements like this, the India-South Africa partnership can emerge as a model for South-South agricultural cooperation, benefiting millions of farmers in both regions.
