India and Ukraine held their first-ever joint meeting on agriculture, focusing on technology transfer and knowledge sharing. This important meeting took place virtually and was co-chaired by Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Ms. Oksana Osmachko, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the significance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors. Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu shared an overview of India’s agricultural achievements. He highlighted several innovative initiatives launched by the Indian government to enhance the agricultural sector. These initiatives include adopting digital solutions, promoting climate-resilient farming practices, and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
Some key programs mentioned by Sahu included the National Mission on Edible Oils Oilseeds, the National Food Security Mission for Pulses, and the e-NAM platform. These programs aim to foster growth in agriculture and support rural development. They reflect India’s commitment to advancing agricultural capabilities through modern techniques and sustainable practices.
Ms. Oksana Osmachko expressed Ukraine’s dedication to reinforcing its partnership with India. She highlighted Ukraine’s strong interest in expanding cooperation in various critical areas. These include food processing, agricultural mechanization, digital agriculture, genome editing, and plant breeding technologies. Both countries have rich agricultural expertise that can complement each other in enhancing productivity and improving farmers’ welfare.
The meeting also provided a platform for discussing key issues related to agricultural cooperation. Participants explored topics such as horticulture, technology transfer, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and research collaboration. The dialogue aimed to identify ways to improve market access and enhance the overall agricultural framework between the two nations. This collaboration is expected to foster innovation and growth in the agricultural sectors of both India and Ukraine.
The virtual meeting was attended by senior officials from various Indian agricultural departments. These included the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. Representatives from the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) were also present. Their participation underscored the comprehensive nature of the discussions and the commitment of both countries to work together in enhancing agricultural practices and policies.
The inaugural Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting is a significant milestone in the relationship between India and Ukraine. Both nations are looking forward to a fruitful partnership that can lead to mutual benefits in agricultural advancements. By sharing knowledge and technology, India and Ukraine can enhance their agricultural productivity and improve the welfare of their farmers.
In conclusion, the joint meeting between India and Ukraine marks a promising start to enhanced agricultural cooperation. Both countries are eager to explore new opportunities and work together towards a sustainable agricultural future.
