Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare of India Holds Bilateral Meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan

8 July 2026, New Delhi

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare of India held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mawlawi Attaullah Omari, Minister of Agriculture, Irrgation and Livestock of Afghanistan to review and further strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of agricultural research, education, extension and capacity building.

Welcoming the Afghan delegation, the Union Minister underscored the close people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan and reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting agricultural development and food security in Afghanistan.

The two Ministers discussed opportunities for enhancing collaboration in agricultural research, climate-resilient farming, horticulture, seed systems, natural resource management, digital agriculture and livestock development. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in agricultural education, human resource development and extension services for improving farmers' livelihoods and promoting sustainable agricultural growth.

The Union Minister highlighted the transformative initiatives undertaken by the Government of India under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to promote agricultural development and farmers' welfare. These include promotion of climate-resilient agriculture and natural farming, expansion of digital agriculture, strengthening of irrigation and water-use efficiency through the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, support to farmers through PM-KISAN, improvement of soil health and enhancement of agricultural research and innovation.

Both sides recognized the important role of institutional partnerships in advancing scientific cooperation and capacity building. In this regard, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, and the Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU) would further strengthen cooperation in agricultural research, education, training, exchange of scientists and students, and dissemination of technologies and best practices.

The Ministers also discussed cooperation in the livestock sector, including animal health, dairy development, veterinary sciences and fodder management, and agreed to encourage closer interactions between scientific institutions and experts of the two countries.

The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere and reflected the shared commitment of India and Afghanistan to advancing sustainable agriculture, strengthening food security and enhancing the prosperity and well-being of their farming communities.

(Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India)