India, Taliban Agree to Launch Joint Agriculture Working Group

DID Press: Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Ataullah Omari have agreed to establish a joint working group to develop a long-term roadmap for agricultural and livestock cooperation between India and Afghanistan.

According to India’s Ministry of Agriculture, the agreement was reached during a meeting in New Delhi, where both sides discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, and livestock development.

The planned working group will facilitate regular dialogue and identify new areas of cooperation based on shared priorities.

The Afghan delegation requested India’s support in boosting wheat production through improved seed varieties, modern agricultural technologies, and research collaboration. In response, Chouhan said India is prepared to provide high-quality wheat, maize, and potato seeds, climate-resilient and nutrient-enriched crop varieties, as well as technical expertise from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

The two sides also discussed water resource management and climate-resilient agriculture. Afghanistan sought cooperation in irrigation, water storage, watershed development, and addressing water scarcity and climate change. India offered to share its experience in drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, small dams, and efficient water-use technologies.

Agricultural research, capacity building, seed development, technical knowledge exchange, and expanding agricultural trade were also among the key topics discussed.

Following the meeting, Chouhan said India and Afghanistan share longstanding historical ties and described the discussions on agricultural cooperation as constructive and productive.