Kathmandu | Dec 30,2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
India-Nepal Agriculture Ties Deepen:
India-Nepal have agreed to significantly expand bilateral cooperation in the agriculture sector by formulating and implementing a biennial action plan within the next three months, aimed at translating existing agreements into tangible outcomes.
The decision was taken during the ninth meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Agriculture Working Group, held in Kathmandu on Sunday and Monday, according to a statement issued by Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
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The move reflects growing efforts by both neighbours to strengthen food security, agricultural trade, and technology-driven farming practices amid climate and market challenges.
Biennial Action Plan to Drive Concrete Outcomes
Under the new understanding, both countries will jointly prepare a two-year action plan to ensure effective implementation of earlier agricultural cooperation agreements. The plan is expected to define clear targets, timelines, and institutional responsibilities, helping convert policy commitments into measurable results.
Officials noted that this framework would enhance coordination between ministries and technical agencies on both sides.
Universities, Research Bodies to Strengthen Collaboration
A major focus of the meeting was expanding cooperation between agricultural universities and research institutions, including India’s Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Nepal’s Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC).
The two sides agreed to develop separate, institution-specific action plans to promote joint research, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer, particularly in areas such as crop productivity, livestock improvement, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Livestock, Poultry and Fisheries Cooperation Expanded
Nepal and India also agreed to work together in the livestock, poultry, and fisheries sectors under a separate memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Reviewing past cooperation, the Nepali side highlighted the successful utilisation of 15 high-quality Murrah male buffaloes gifted by India, from which 92,766 doses of semen have been produced so far. These were provided following an agreement during former Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s 2023 visit to New Delhi, aimed at improving native buffalo breeds.
Nepal acknowledged the initiative as a major boost to its livestock development and breed improvement programmes.
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Fertilisers, Infrastructure and Market Access
Both sides agreed to improve logistical processes for the smooth supply of chemical fertilisers, strengthen cooperation in agricultural infrastructure development, and maintain regular dialogue to resolve technical issues related to food quality standards and quarantine regulations.
Nepal appreciated India’s recent recognition of laboratory testing for eight categories of Nepali agricultural products and urged further expansion of the list. In April, India officially recognised test certificates issued by Nepal’s National Food and Feed Reference Laboratory, enabling exports of select food products tested domestically.
Nepal also sought unhindered access for its agricultural produce to the Indian market.
Focus on Digital and Climate-Resilient Farming
In-depth discussions were also held on cooperation in digital agriculture, climate-resilient farming systems, natural farming practices, and food security. India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nepal’s agricultural development under its “Neighbourhood First” policy.
The meeting was co-chaired by Hari Bahadur K.C., Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary at India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The tenth meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in India on mutually agreed dates.
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