India–Nepal Agricultural Dialogue Strengthens with Parliamentary Delegation Visit

Speaking to the delegation, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of DARE, highlighted India's strong infrastructure in agricultural education and research.

In a step towards reinforcing bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture, a 16-member delegation of Nepali Parliamentarians, led by Shri Sanjay Kumar Gautam, Former Minister and Member of Parliament from the Nepali Congress, visited Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, on Tuesday. The delegation represented the Free Youth Democratic Organization (FYDON) of Nepal and engaged in in-depth discussions with senior Indian officials to better understand India's agricultural transformation and explore collaborative opportunities.

The visit was organized under the framework of regional cooperation, highlighting India's commitment to sharing best practices and advancing agricultural development across South Asia.

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Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Agricultural Diplomacy

The delegation was welcomed by Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), and Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE). Also present were representatives from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Ministry of External Affairs, underscoring the strategic and inter-ministerial nature of the engagement.

Shri Devesh Chaturvedi delivered an insightful presentation on India's evolving agricultural ecosystem. He underscored the country's dual focus on food security and nutritional security, stressing the importance of inclusive growth and farmer-centric policies.

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Key Areas of Discussion

The extensive deliberations between the Indian authorities and Nepali delegation covered a broad spectrum of issues central to sustainable agricultural growth:

• Soil Health Management: India's soil health card scheme, nutrient-based subsidy policies, and organic farming expansion were detailed as scalable models.

• Fertilizer Use and Precision Farming: Discussions focused on India's growing emphasis on sustainable input usage, remote sensing technologies, and satellite-based monitoring to enhance crop productivity.

• Irrigation & Water Management: The delegation was briefed on the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and other irrigation reform measures that aim for "Har Khet Ko Pani" (water to every field).

• Agricultural Marketing & FPOs: Emphasis was placed on India's support to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to build scale, improve access to markets, and increase farmer incomes.

• Crop Insurance and Risk Mitigation: India's flagship Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was discussed as a robust risk mitigation framework that offers lessons in managing crop losses and weather uncertainties.

• Climate Change Adaptation: Innovative programs aimed at promoting climate-resilient crops, digital advisory platforms, and weather-based alert systems were presented to aid Nepal's adaptation strategies.

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India's Scientific Strength in Agriculture

Speaking to the delegation, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of DARE, highlighted India's strong infrastructure in agricultural education and research. He stated that India is well-positioned to support Nepal in building capacity through:

• Collaborative research between ICAR and Nepali agricultural institutions.

• Technical training and academic exchanges.

• Joint projects on seed technology, crop diversification, and sustainable farming.

He also proposed long-term engagement via policy dialogues, agricultural exhibitions, and industry–farmer networks to bridge the two nations' agricultural communities.

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Regional Cooperation with Historical Roots

The discussions went beyond technical exchanges, also celebrating the cultural, historical, and civilizational ties that bind India and Nepal. Shri Chaturvedi acknowledged the shared agrarian traditions and emphasized that both countries can mutually benefit by enhancing grassroots agricultural linkages and investing in knowledge-based collaboration.

The meeting further reaffirmed the shared vision of the two nations to uplift rural communities and achieve food and nutritional security, especially in light of global climate challenges and fluctuating agri-market dynamics.

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Future Roadmap: Policy, Technology, and People-to-People Engagement

The visit marked the beginning of what could become a structured, recurring dialogue between India and Nepal in the agriculture sector. Potential follow-up actions discussed include:

• Establishing joint working groups on specific sub-sectors such as horticulture, post-harvest technology, and agri-exports.

• Exchange visits for farmers, scientists, and youth entrepreneurs.

• Facilitating Nepal's participation in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and capacity-building workshops organized under ICAR.

• Technical support for developing agri-startup ecosystems in Nepal.

Shared Prosperity Through Agricultural Cooperation

The Nepali delegation's visit to Krishi Bhawan symbolizes a deepening commitment to regional agricultural cooperation. With India's growing reputation as a hub for agri-tech, digital farming, and policy innovation, the partnership with Nepal holds immense promise in transforming the rural landscapes of both nations.

As the region faces new challenges—ranging from climate-induced crop stress to global supply chain disruptions—such bilateral engagements underscore the importance of knowledge sharing, joint innovation, and people-centered development.