NEW DELHI, 10 July 2026: India and Afghanistan have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, livestock, research, and capacity building, with both countries deciding to work towards establishing a Joint Working Group (JWG) to prepare a long-term roadmap for agricultural collaboration.
The decision was taken during a bilateral meeting between Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Afghanistan's Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, H.E. Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, held in New Delhi.
The meeting reviewed the existing agricultural partnership and explored new opportunities in agricultural research, education, irrigation, technology transfer, agri-trade, and institutional cooperation. Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also participated.
Welcoming the Afghan delegation, Chouhan said India and Afghanistan share centuries-old civilisational ties based on trust, friendship, and strong people-to-people relations. He reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting Afghanistan's agricultural transformation through scientific expertise, technology, research, and institutional collaboration.
Focus on seeds and food security
Food security and crop productivity emerged as key priorities during the discussions.
The Afghan delegation sought India's support in improving wheat productivity through advanced seed technologies and research collaboration. Responding to the request, Chouhan said India is ready to assist Afghanistan with quality wheat, maize and potato seeds, climate-resilient and biofortified crop varieties, and ICAR's scientific expertise to strengthen seed systems and agricultural production.
Water management and climate resilience
Water scarcity and climate change also featured prominently during the talks.
Afghanistan requested cooperation in irrigation, watershed development, and water harvesting. Chouhan shared India's experience in micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, check dams, and efficient water-use technologies, offering support in developing sustainable irrigation infrastructure and climate-resilient farming systems.
He emphasised that water conservation, scientific farming, and quality seeds form the foundation of sustainable agriculture.
Expanding research and capacity building
Both sides discussed expanding collaboration in agricultural research, education, and human resource development.
India proposed strengthening partnerships between ICAR and Afghanistan's agricultural institutions through joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, laboratory support, and training programmes for scientists, extension workers, veterinarians, and agricultural professionals.
The discussions also covered cooperation in horticulture, dairy, livestock, poultry, fisheries, post-harvest management, digital agriculture, and soil health management.
Trade and private sector collaboration
Recognising the potential to enhance bilateral agricultural trade, both countries explored opportunities to promote trade in agricultural commodities, quality seeds, and value-added products while encouraging greater private-sector participation.
Afghanistan also sought India's assistance in strengthening agricultural value chains and improving market access for its farm produce.
Long-term roadmap
Officials from ICAR presented an overview of ongoing cooperation between the two countries, including research partnerships, germplasm exchange, watershed management, irrigation, and capacity building.
Both countries agreed to work towards establishing a Joint Working Group to prepare a structured roadmap for long-term cooperation in agriculture and livestock, facilitate regular institutional engagement, and identify new areas of mutual interest.
Concluding the meeting, Chouhan reiterated India's commitment to supporting Afghanistan through research, innovation, technology transfer, and capacity building to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and farmer prosperity.