Strengthening Agri Bonds Across Borders
A 16-member delegation of Nepali Parliamentarians visited Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi today. Led by Shri Sanjay Kumar Gautam, former minister and MP from Nepali Congress, the group came under the banner of the Free Youth Democratic Organization (FYDON).
The delegation held comprehensive discussions with Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), and Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE).
The purpose of the visit was to understand India’s remarkable progress in agriculture. Topics included soil health management, precision farming, irrigation, fertilizer use, crop insurance, climate adaptation, and agricultural marketing.
India’s focus on ensuring nutritional security along with food security deeply impressed the delegation. This dual approach has become a cornerstone of India’s agricultural transformation.
FPOs and Digital Farming Take Center Stage
Shri Devesh Chaturvedi highlighted flagship schemes such as the Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) initiative, which is empowering small farmers across the country. These groups help farmers get better prices, access technology, and connect with markets.
He also discussed how digitalization in agriculture is revolutionizing Indian farms. Real-time weather updates, satellite imaging, and mobile advisory services are now helping millions of farmers make informed decisions.
Risk Mitigation and Farmer Welfare
India’s efforts to protect farmers from uncertainty were praised during the interaction. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) offer insurance against crop failure due to natural disasters.
Climate change adaptation measures were also discussed, including promotion of drought-resistant crops and precision irrigation techniques that conserve water and improve yields.
Stronger India–Nepal Agri Ties
Both sides acknowledged the long-standing cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Nepal. Shri Chaturvedi reiterated India’s commitment to support Nepal in achieving food and nutritional security.
“Our doors are open for collaboration across all agricultural verticals,” he assured the visitors.
ICAR’s Role in Technology Sharing
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, DARE, outlined how India can assist Nepal through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and agricultural universities. India has over 100 ICAR institutes and 74 agricultural universities driving innovation in farming.
He emphasized a multi-pronged approach—working together at policy levels, sharing advanced technologies, and strengthening direct links between Indian and Nepali farmers and industries.
Delegation Receives Warm Welcome
Senior officials from DA&FW, DARE, ICAR, and the Ministry of External Affairs also participated in the meeting. They shared insights, answered queries, and explored areas for joint agricultural projects and knowledge exchange.
Key Achievements Highlighted
- Over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) launched in India (Source: DA&FW)
- PMFBY has covered over 400 million farmers since 2016
- ICAR ranked among the top agricultural research organizations globally
- India’s food grain production reached an all-time high of 329.7 million tonnes in 2024-25 (Source: Ministry of Agriculture)
Looking Ahead
This visit marks another step in building a strong India-Nepal agriculture partnership. Both nations share similar agro-climatic conditions, making mutual learning and collaboration beneficial.
As India continues to innovate, it stands ready to support Nepal with expertise, training, and research in the years to come.
Conclusion
India’s strides in agriculture have become a beacon for its neighbors. With shared values and challenges, India and Nepal are well-positioned to build a lasting partnership in farming. This visit laid the foundation for deeper engagement and innovation in the agricultural sector across borders.