The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Agriculture Department of Seychelles' Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the Indian Prime Minister's official visit to Seychelles. The MoU establishes a framework to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agricultural research, education, capacity building, and technology transfer between the two countries.
To operationalize the agreement, both parties signed a five-year Work Plan covering the period 2026-2031. The Work Plan specifically focuses on key areas including climate-smart agriculture, horticulture development, post-harvest management, livestock development, and sustainable food and nutritional security. The collaboration aims to strengthen institutional linkages, improve agricultural productivity, build technical capacity, and support sustainable agricultural development while addressing emerging challenges such as climate change and food security.
The agreement provides for promoting joint research programmes, exchange of scientists, researchers and students, and sharing of advanced agricultural technologies and best practices. ICAR has signed more than 100 Memoranda of Understanding with partner institutions globally, and this agreement with Seychelles reinforces India's engagement with the Global South and its commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture, innovation and global food security through international cooperation.