India-Chile 1st JWG Meeting on Agriculture: A Step Toward International Collaboration

In the vibrant spirit of international cooperation, the first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between India and Chile took place on 12th March 2025. This significant event marked the beginning of a meaningful journey towards deeperening agricultural partnerships across the world.

Introduction to the Meeting

The JWG meeting was co-cochaired by Ajeet Kumar Sahu, the Joint Secretary (IC) from India’s Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfares, and Gabriel Layseca, the Director of the Department of International Affairs at Chile’s Bureau of Agricultural Studies and Policies. This meeting underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, a crucial link for fostering agricultural development and rural prosperity.

Indo’s Contributions

Indian agricultural achievements were lauded, with initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission and the Lakhpati Didi Program showcased. These efforts emphasized digital transformation, gender empowerment through women-led development projects, and rural connectivity to ensure farmers’ well-being. Additionally, efforts to empower farmers via FPOs aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.

Chile’s Vision

Chile also made strong strides, highlighting its rich agricultural history. The country recognized the potential for enhanced cooperation with India, recognizing their mutual strengths in agriculture. Key initiatives such as Natural and Organic Farming and Crop Insurance were highlighted, showcasing Chilean efforts to diversify agricultural revenue streams.

Key Issues Discussed

The meeting addressed market access challenges, horticultural cooperation opportunities, capacity-building in agriculture, and research collaboration. These issues aimed to drive sustainable growth and rural development, ensuring that both countries benefited from joint efforts.

Significance for Future Collaboration

This meeting marked the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral agriculture. By fostering partnerships, it set the stage for future collaborations that could revolutionize agricultural productivity, enhance rural development, and improve farmers’ welfare. It demonstrated the potential of international cooperation to address global food security challenges collectively.

In conclusion, this JWG meeting was not just an exchange of ideas but a catalyst for transformative change in India and Chile’s agricultural landscapes. By deepening their relationships through collaboration, they prepared themselves for even greater success in future meetings and beyond.