India, Australia Hold Talks On Bolstering Agri-Tech Ties

New Delhi: In a bid to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Australia and to explore new opportunities for collaboration in the agriculture and allied sectors, Australian High Commissioner Philip Green held talks with Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, at Krishi Bhawan here, according to an official statement issued on Friday.

Chaturvedi outlined India’s current priorities in agriculture, emphasising that the government is not only committed to ensuring food security but also to enhancing farmers’ incomes and improving nutritional security for the population.

He highlighted key initiatives such as crop diversification, the promotion of exports, achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses, and the strengthening of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) as vital components of India’s agricultural strategy. The Secretary stressed the importance of technological advancements, including precision agriculture, the Digital Agriculture Mission, and the mechanisation of small farms, in modernising the sector. Additionally, he acknowledged the growing role of startups in driving innovation and transformation in

agriculture.

Green highlighted the importance of agriculture in Australia’s priorities and the potential for enhanced collaboration between the two nations. He expressed keen interest in exploring opportunities within the agri-tech sector and emphasised the importance of strengthening trade ties to further these objectives. Green emphasised the need for continued engagement to identify and unlock new opportunities for trade and cooperation.

Both sides agreed on the importance of advancing collaboration across various areas, including agri-tech, horticulture, digital agriculture, and agricultural machinery.