India Israel Agricultural Cooperation 2025: New Agreement Signed to Boost Innovation and Food Security
New Delhi, April 8: In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties in agriculture and food security, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a high-level meeting on Tuesday with Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Avi Dicter, at the International Guest House, National Agricultural Science Complex, New Delhi. The meeting marked Mr. Dicter’s first official visit to India in his current role.
During the meeting, both nations signed a crucial Agriculture Cooperation Agreement and Work Plan, aiming to deepen collaboration in key agricultural areas including soil and water management, horticultural and agricultural production, mechanization, animal husbandry, post-harvest technologies, and research & development.
Shri Chouhan underscored India’s commitment to global welfare, quoting the ideals of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness), and emphasized India’s rapid economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
He also lauded the contribution of MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, in the success of the Indo-Israel Agricultural Work Plans. He highlighted the 43 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) across India, of which 35 are fully operational, and noted the impact of the Villages of Excellence (VoE) initiative, connecting 30 villages to each CoE to strengthen rural outreach.
The Indian Minister extended an invitation to the Israeli delegation to participate in World Food India 2025.
Mr. Avi Dicter praised the longstanding partnership between the two nations and expressed confidence in their shared potential to drive innovation in agriculture. He stressed the need for developing high-yield seed varieties and advanced technologies to combat the effects of climate change and ensure global food security.
Both sides agreed to collaborate on priority areas such as:
- Food security and climate-resilient farming
- Transfer of agricultural technologies
- Expansion of Centers of Excellence
- High-quality seed development
- Capacity building and post-harvest technologies
- Research and pest management
They also discussed the possibility of launching a Five-Year Seed Improvement Plan (FYSIP) to enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture.
Shri Chouhan emphasized the importance of improving productivity in the face of increasing population and shrinking landholdings, and stressed the need for intensified collaboration between Indian and Israeli scientists to ensure improved seeds reach farmers efficiently.
The Israeli delegation also expressed interest in India’s Digital Agriculture Mission, praising its role in empowering Indian farmers through technology and data-driven solutions.
To ensure continuity and progress in their partnership, both countries agreed to establish a Joint Working Group that will develop a clear roadmap with defined goals and timelines.
The meeting also included discussions on market access, innovations, and shared challenges in the horticulture sector. Participants reviewed ongoing collaborative projects and exchanged views on expanding trade and cooperation.
The Israeli delegation included Ambassador Mr. Reuven Azar and Mr. Yakov Poleg, Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation. From the Indian side, Secretary DA&FW and DARE Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, along with Joint Secretaries from various departments including International Cooperation (IC), Horticulture (MIDH), Natural Resource Management (NRM), Plant Protection (PP), and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), were present.
The meeting concluded on a cordial note, with both sides expressing optimism about the future of Indo-Israel agricultural collaboration and extending warm wishes for Mr. Dicter’s ongoing visit to India.
