New Delhi: In a significant development for international agricultural diplomacy, India and Argentina convened the 2nd Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Agriculture Cooperation on July 15, 2025. The meeting, held virtually and co-chaired by Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (India), and Mr. Sergio Iraeta, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (Argentina), marked a major milestone in strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture and allied sectors.
A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture
In his opening remarks, Shri Chaturvedi emphasized the strategic value of Argentina as a key agricultural partner for India. He described the bilateral relationship as one rooted in mutual learning, shared technology, and best practices aimed at improving the lives of farmers in both nations.
“There is enormous scope for cooperation in agricultural mechanization, pest control, climate-resilient farming, and joint research initiatives,” he said.
Argentina Eyes Closer Collaboration in Advanced Agri-Tech
Mr. Sergio Iraeta reaffirmed Argentina’s strong commitment to deepening its agricultural ties with India. He highlighted specific areas of interest for Argentina, including:
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Agricultural mechanization
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Genome editing and plant breeding technologies
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Farmer welfare and productivity enhancement
“With our rich agricultural experience, both countries are well-positioned to collaborate on advancing food security and agri-innovation,” Iraeta stated.
Key Issues Discussed: From Precision Agriculture to Market Access
The bilateral dialogue covered a wide spectrum of priority topics, including:
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Horticulture collaboration
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Value chain development for oilseeds and pulses
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Precision agriculture and mechanization
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Carbon credit opportunities for farmers
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Biopesticides and sustainable pest management
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Locust control and management
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Adoption of new breeding technologies
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Enhanced market access and trade cooperation
These discussions highlighted a shared vision of building resilient, tech-enabled, and inclusive agri-systems.
Showcasing India’s Innovations and Initiatives
Shri Muktanand Agrawal, Joint Secretary (Plant Protection), provided a comprehensive overview of India’s recent advancements in agriculture. Key highlights included:
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Adoption of digital solutions for agriculture
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Promotion of climate-resilient practices
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Focus on risk mitigation, credit access, and farmer welfare
India reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging innovation to improve agricultural outcomes, not just domestically, but through global partnerships.
Institutional Participation and Forward Path
The meeting saw participation from senior officials of:
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Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW)
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Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
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Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
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Ministry of External Affairs
Both countries agreed to explore joint research projects, enhance institutional collaborations, and facilitate knowledge exchange, as part of the evolving strategic agricultural partnership.
Towards a Resilient and Collaborative Agricultural Future
The 2nd India–Argentina JWG meeting signals a deepening of agricultural diplomacy between two nations that are both major agri-producers and innovators. The emphasis on technology, sustainability, and farmer welfare aligns with global goals on food security and climate action.
As the two countries build on this momentum, future joint initiatives are expected to accelerate innovation, improve trade, and empower farming communities across both continents.
Source: PIB
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