What was discussed at the 1st joint working group meeting on agriculture between India and Sri Lanka?
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Synopsis
In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural collaboration, India and Sri Lanka held their first Joint Working Group meeting. The discussions centered around vital agricultural practices and innovations that aim to boost food security. This partnership is poised to foster advancements in farming techniques, benefiting both nations.
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration on farm mechanisation
- Focus on organic and natural farming
- Development of the seed sector
- Promotion of agri-entrepreneurship
- Initiatives for climate-resilient agriculture
New Delhi, Oct 30 (NationPress) India and Sri Lanka engaged in discussions regarding cooperation in critical areas such as farm mechanisation, organic and natural farming, seed sector development, agri-entrepreneurship, agricultural education, soil health management, market access, and climate-resilient agriculture during their inaugural Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture, which took place on Thursday.
The meeting was co-chaired by Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and D. P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation from the Government of Sri Lanka.
Both nations explored opportunities for joint research and capacity building.
Topics such as digital agriculture, crop insurance, and agri-startups were also addressed.
The Sri Lankan delegation had the opportunity to visit the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Pusa, New Delhi, to learn more about India’s agricultural research and innovation landscape.
The discussions underscored the mutual commitment of India and Sri Lanka to enhance cooperation aimed at fortifying food and nutritional security in both nations.
The Sri Lankan delegation included G. G. V. Shyamali, Additional Director General of Agriculture (Development); B. S. S. Perera, Director of Livestock Development; and Geshan, Counsellor at the High Commission of Sri Lanka.
Joint Secretaries from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Chairman of PPVFRA, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also participated in the meeting.
Point of View
The collaboration between India and Sri Lanka through the Joint Working Group on Agriculture signifies a vital step towards not only enhancing agricultural productivity but also ensuring food security. This partnership reflects the commitment of both nations to leverage their strengths and expertise in agriculture, ultimately benefiting their populations.
NationPress
21/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main topics discussed in the meeting?
The main topics included farm mechanisation, organic and natural farming, seed sector development, agri-entrepreneurship, soil health management, climate-resilient agriculture, and more.
Who co-chaired the meeting?
The meeting was co-chaired by Devesh Chaturvedi from India and D. P. Wickramasinghe from Sri Lanka.
What is the significance of the meeting?
The meeting signifies a commitment to collaborate on agricultural advancements, which can enhance food security and agricultural practices in both countries.
Did the Sri Lankan delegation engage in any practical learning?
Yes, the Sri Lankan delegation visited the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi to gain insights into India’s agricultural research.
What future opportunities were discussed?
Opportunities for joint research and capacity building were explored during the meeting.
