Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Calls Prime Minister of Nepal on BIMSTEC Meet

In Kathmandu, during their 3rd BIMSTEC Ministerial meeting, the Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his commitment to fostering collaboration between India and Nepal, particularly in the fields of agriculture and related sectors. During this pivotal meeting, he was met with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and joint efforts to strengthen agricultural cooperation.

Key Points from the Call:

1. Bilateral Meetings and MoUs

   • Shri Chouhan led Indian delegations in bilateral meetings with the ministers of Agriculture from Nepal and Bhutan, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding and enhanced collaboration.
   • A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Nepal on agriculture, superseding an earlier agreement. This MoU marks a fresh impetus for ongoing agricultural progress.

2. Agro-Industrial Park in Chitwan

   • Shri Chouhan highlighted the proposed Agro-Industrial Park in Chitwan, aimed at creating job opportunities and promoting agricultural development.

3. Technical Cooperation

   • The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) engaged with the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), focusing on technical innovations and best practices.

4. Initiatives and Projects

   • Shri Chouhan underscored India’s commitment to setting up a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Agriculture, strengthening BIMSTEC agricultural cooperation.
   • He also emphasized ongoing initiatives like the Government of India’s BIMSTEC Agricultural Scholarship Program and training programs.

5. Bhutan’s Role

   • Shri Chouhan highlighted Bhutan’s challenges, particularly regarding resource constraints, while expressing support for their efforts in agriculture.

6. Mutual Relations

   • The call underscored the close relationship between India and Nepal, emphasizing shared goals and mutual trust in agricultural development.

Conclusion:

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s call underscores the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security. With this new MoU in place, they have established a strong foundation for future cooperation, poised to make significant strides in agriculture and related sectors. The partnership with BIMSTEC further solidifies their commitment to advancing agricultural innovations, while Bhutan’s role underscores the importance of resource efficiency. This collaboration not only strengthens India-Nepal relations but also contributes to broader global agricultural goals.