Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan held bilateral talks with Mr. Silvio Erkens, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature of the Netherlands, in New Delhi on September 28, 2026. The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing cooperation in the agriculture sector and strengthening agricultural collaboration by exploring new areas of cooperation.
Both ministers discussed progress on the establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence in the agriculture and horticulture sectors, representing a significant bilateral initiative. The parties agreed to explore cooperation in the seed sector through a work plan that would outline key areas of cooperation and provide a clear framework for effective implementation. In the area of agricultural innovation, both sides discussed identifying potential areas of collaboration, recognizing the significant progress and advancements made by both countries in this field.
The Dutch delegation included Mr. Marten van den Berg, Director General, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, along with Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador, and other officials from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in India. The Indian side was represented by Shri Atish Chandra, Secretary, and Dr. M L Jat, Secretary, DARE, along with other senior officials of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Both sides reiterated their resolve to enhance agricultural productivity through modern technology, innovation, and knowledge exchange.