The eighth Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on agriculture between India and the Netherlands convened at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, on October 31, 2025, reaffirming a robust bilateral commitment to agricultural advancement and innovation.
Overview and Co-Chairs
The session was co-chaired by Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), Government of India, and Mr. Guido Landheer from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture. Delegations from both countries included policy makers, agricultural experts, and senior ministry officials.
Review of Cooperation and Centres of Excellence
Discussions highlighted the progress and impact of bilateral Centres of Excellence (CoEs). These hubs, established across India with Dutch partnership, have introduced advanced horticultural technologies, improved seed and planting material production, and trained thousands of Indian farmers. Inspired by their success, efforts are underway to expand the CoE model to more states and agricultural subsectors.
Key Focus Areas and New Initiatives
Participants explored several priority topics: phytosanitary cooperation, seed sector development, animal husbandry, food processing, circular agriculture, food safety, greenhouse technologies, naturally ventilated polyhouses, and knowledge transfer. The integration of Dutch greenhouse techniques and joint research programs was noted as a catalyst for crop quality and yield enhancement.
Outcomes and Commitments
Both sides praised the constructive nature of the dialogue and resolved to deepen agricultural collaboration further. Satisfaction was voiced over the result-oriented approach and ongoing innovation, especially for projects benefiting small and marginal farmers.
Delegations: India-Netherlands
The Netherlands delegation included Ms. Marion van Schaik (Agriculture Counsellor), Ms. Sarah Visser Ravichandran (Senior Policy Officer), and Mr. Sritanu Chatterjee (Policy Advisor). The Indian side was comprised of top officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
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Source: PIB
