NEW DELHI, 13 April 2025: In a significant stride towards revolutionizing agricultural practices and bolstering global food security, India and Israel formalized a comprehensive agriculture cooperation agreement recently.
The landmark pact was signed in the capital by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Israel's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Avi Dicter, who is currently on his inaugural official visit to India.
Building upon a decade of successful collaborative efforts, this new agreement seeks to accelerate joint initiatives in critical areas including agricultural technology, sustainable practices, and enhanced productivity. <button _ngcontent-ng-c316175729="" aria-controls="sources" aria-describedby="cdk-describedby-message-ng-1-44" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Learn More" cdk-describedby-host="ng-1" hide-from-message-actions="" jslog="220646;track:generic_click,impression"></button>
Soil to Shelf: Agreement Targets Key Agricultural Domains
The ambitious agreement outlines a strategic roadmap focusing on vital aspects of the agricultural value chain: <button _ngcontent-ng-c316175729="" aria-controls="sources" aria-describedby="cdk-describedby-message-ng-1-44" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Learn More" cdk-describedby-host="ng-1" hide-from-message-actions="" jslog="220646;track:generic_click,impression"></button>
- Soil and water management: Implementing advanced techniques for efficient resource utilization.
- Horticultural and agricultural productivity: Enhancing yields and quality through innovative methods.
- Agri mechanisation and post-harvest technology: Modernizing farming equipment and minimizing post-harvest losses. <button _ngcontent-ng-c316175729="" aria-controls="sources" aria-describedby="cdk-describedby-message-ng-1-44" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Learn More" cdk-describedby-host="ng-1" hide-from-message-actions="" jslog="220646;track:generic_click,impression"></button>
- Animal husbandry: Improving livestock management and productivity.
- Research and development in agriculture: Fostering joint scientific endeavors for agricultural advancements.
- Seed improvement programs: A five-year initiative to develop high-quality, climate-resilient seeds.
Highlighting India's guiding philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is one family), Minister Chouhan emphasized the strategic importance of this global partnership.
Centres of Excellence to Smart Seeds: Boosting Agri-Tech Innovation
India's existing network of 43 Centres of Excellence (CoEs), established in collaboration with Israel, has already delivered localized solutions in crucial areas like crop management, irrigation, and precision agriculture. The new agreement envisions further expansion and strengthening of these vital hubs.
A key component of the partnership is a dedicated five-year seed improvement program. This initiative aims to produce superior quality, high-yielding seed varieties that are also resilient to the growing challenges of climate change and degraded soil conditions, ultimately strengthening food security across vulnerable regions.
R&D and Digital Agriculture Spearhead Collaboration
The agreement places significant emphasis on agricultural innovation and the transformative potential of digital technologies. Key areas of mutual interest include: <button _ngcontent-ng-c316175729="" aria-controls="sources" aria-describedby="cdk-describedby-message-ng-1-44" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Learn More" cdk-describedby-host="ng-1" hide-from-message-actions="" jslog="220646;track:generic_click,impression"></button>
- Pest and disease management: Developing advanced strategies to protect crops.
- Advanced post-harvest processing: Implementing technologies to reduce waste and enhance food quality.
- Farmer capacity building: Empowering Indian farmers with knowledge and skills.
- Digital agriculture platforms: Providing farmers with real-time data, insights, and tools for informed decision-making. <button _ngcontent-ng-c316175729="" aria-controls="sources" aria-describedby="cdk-describedby-message-ng-1-44" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Learn More" cdk-describedby-host="ng-1" hide-from-message-actions="" jslog="220646;track:generic_click,impression"></button>
Israel, a recognized global leader in precision farming and agricultural practices in arid environments, views India as a crucial partner in jointly developing scalable agri-tech solutions with worldwide applicability. <button _ngcontent-ng-c316175729="" aria-controls="sources" aria-describedby="cdk-describedby-message-ng-1-44" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Learn More" cdk-describedby-host="ng-1" hide-from-message-actions="" jslog="220646;track:generic_click,impression"></button>
Joint Working Group to Chart Future Course
To ensure effective implementation and sustained collaboration, both nations have agreed to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) with clearly defined objectives, deliverables, and timelines. The JWG will focus on: <button _ngcontent-ng-c316175729="" aria-controls="sources" aria-describedby="cdk-describedby-message-ng-1-44" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Learn More" cdk-describedby-host="ng-1" hide-from-message-actions="" jslog="220646;track:generic_click,impression"></button>
- Opening market access: Facilitating the exchange of agricultural produce and technologies. <button _ngcontent-ng-c316175729="" aria-controls="sources" aria-describedby="cdk-describedby-message-ng-1-44" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Learn More" cdk-describedby-host="ng-1" hide-from-message-actions="" jslog="220646;track:generic_click,impression"></button>
- Expanding CoEs: Establishing new centres across diverse geographical regions.
- Streamlining innovation adoption: Accelerating the integration of new technologies on Indian farms.
- Strengthening research exchanges: Promoting collaboration between academic and field-level researchers.
India Aims for Global Leadership in Food Security
Minister Chouhan extended an invitation to Israel to participate in World Food India 2025, positioning the bilateral relationship as a model for addressing global agricultural challenges, ranging from climate change impacts to disruptions in the food supply chain.
Israeli Minister Dicter commended India's leadership, stating, "We face common challenges, and by working together, we can pioneer solutions for a food-secure world." <button _ngcontent-ng-c316175729="" aria-controls="sources" aria-describedby="cdk-describedby-message-ng-1-44" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Learn More" cdk-describedby-host="ng-1" hide-from-message-actions="" jslog="220646;track:generic_click,impression"></button>
A Strategic Alliance for a Tech-Driven Agricultural Future
The agriculture agreement between India and Israel signifies more than just a diplomatic accord; it represents a bold commitment towards building a climate-smart and data-driven agricultural future. With both nations investing significantly in technology, research and development, and capacity building, this partnership has the potential to redefine global approaches to food production, distribution, and sustainability.
Stay informed as India and Israel cultivate the seeds of a smarter, greener, and more secure agricultural future for all.
