Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a bilateral meeting with Afghanistan's Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock H.E. Mawlawi Ataullah Omari on July 8, 2026, to review existing agricultural partnership and discuss new cooperation avenues. The meeting focused on agriculture, irrigation, livestock, agricultural research, education, capacity building, and agri-trade, with senior officials from India's Ministry of Agriculture and ICAR participating.
India reaffirmed its commitment to support Afghanistan's agricultural transformation through scientific expertise, technological innovations, and institutional experience. Specific areas of cooperation include quality wheat, maize, and potato seeds, climate-resilient and biofortified crop varieties, and strengthening Afghanistan's seed systems. The Afghan side highlighted wheat as a key agricultural crop and sought India's cooperation in improving wheat productivity through advanced seed technologies.
Water management and climate-resilient agriculture were prominent discussion topics, with Afghanistan seeking cooperation in irrigation, water harvesting, and watershed development to address water scarcity challenges. India offered to share expertise in micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, check dams, and efficient water-use technologies.
The meeting also covered expansion of collaboration in agricultural research, education, and capacity building through joint research, faculty and student exchanges, laboratory support, and training programs for scientists, extension personnel, veterinarians, and agricultural professionals. Additional cooperation areas discussed included horticulture, dairy, livestock, poultry, fisheries, animal health, post-harvest management, digital agriculture, and soil health management.
Both sides recognized significant potential to expand bilateral agricultural trade and private sector engagement, focusing on trade in agricultural commodities, quality seeds, and value-added products. Afghanistan specifically sought India's support in strengthening agricultural value chains and enhancing market access for its farm products.
ICAR officials presented an overview of ongoing collaboration in agricultural research, irrigation, germplasm exchange, watershed management, and human resource development, reaffirming commitment to expand cooperation in wheat research, horticulture, livestock, dairy, fisheries, and agricultural technology.
The meeting concluded with both countries agreeing to work toward 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 collaboration areas based on mutual priorities.