India and Argentina have taken a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture by signing the ICAR–INTA Work Plan for 2025–2027, aimed at enhancing collaboration in agricultural research, capacity building and technology exchange. The agreement was formalised through the exchange of the signed Work Plan between Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and H.E. Mariano Augustin Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina to India.
The new Work Plan builds upon the long-standing scientific partnership between the two countries and aligns with shared priorities of sustainable agriculture, innovation-driven growth and climate-resilient food systems.
Expanding the Scope of Agricultural Collaboration
The ICAR–INTA Work Plan establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation across a wide range of agricultural domains. These include natural resource management, sustainable agronomy practices such as zero tillage, agricultural mechanisation, micro-irrigation and fertigation, as well as crop and animal biotechnology.
Additional focus areas include livestock improvement, production technologies for temperate and tropical crops, digital agriculture, biosafety and phytosanitary measures, and value chain development. The collaboration will be implemented through joint research projects, germplasm exchange, expert interactions, and structured training and study visits.
Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building
As part of the Work Plan, study visits and training programmes have been planned in advanced areas such as greenhouse vegetable production, floriculture and temperate fruit cultivation, post-harvest physiology, functional food development, and veterinary diagnostics.
The cooperation also covers precision livestock farming, waste-to-wealth technologies, microbial feed enhancement, digital agriculture tools, and sanitary and phytosanitary systems, enabling researchers and practitioners from both countries to exchange best practices and cutting-edge technologies.
Germplasm Exchange and Crop Development
A key component of the agreement is germplasm exchange, which will include strategic crops such as soybean, sunflower, maize, blueberry, citrus, guava, selected vegetable crops, and wild papaya species. This exchange is expected to support crop improvement programmes, enhance genetic diversity, and strengthen resilience against climate and pest-related challenges.
Focus on Oilseeds, Pulses and Mechanisation
India and Argentina will deepen cooperation in oilseeds and pulses value chains, reflecting shared interests in boosting productivity and market integration. The Work Plan also places emphasis on agricultural mechanisation, including zero-tillage technologies, cotton harvesting machinery and the use of drones in agriculture.
In horticulture, the collaboration will support value chain development, infrastructure creation, and exchange of quality planting material, contributing to higher farmer incomes and improved market access.
Strengthening Plant and Animal Health Systems
In the area of plant and animal health, the Work Plan envisages cooperation on region-specific Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) elimination strategies, as well as enhanced collaboration on locust surveillance and management. These efforts will be supported through technical exchanges and sharing of best practices, strengthening preparedness and biosecurity in both countries.
Monitoring and Long-Term Partnership
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the India–Argentina scientific partnership and agreed on annual monitoring and review mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of the Work Plan and timely achievement of agreed objectives.
Conclusion
The signing of the ICAR–INTA Plan 2025–27 marks a strategic advancement in India–Argentina relations in agriculture. By combining scientific expertise, technology exchange and capacity building, the partnership aims to promote sustainable, resilient and innovation-driven agricultural systems, benefiting farmers, researchers and agri-value chains in both countries while contributing to global food security.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
