New Delhi : Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, met with Oxana Lut, Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, at Krishi Bhawan to discuss ways to expand cooperation in the agriculture sector.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
- The two sides reaffirmed that India–Russia ties are rooted in trust and mutual benefit.
- Minister Chouhan noted that bilateral agricultural trade has reached USD 3.5 billion, and emphasized the importance of balanced trade. He expressed gratitude to Russia for resolving long-pending export issues related to Indian potatoes, pomegranates, and seeds.
- Discussions focused on expanding exports of Indian food grains and horticultural products to Russia.
Agreements and Initiatives
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Russia’s Federal Center for Animal Health to boost collaboration in research, innovation, and capacity building.
- India invited Russia to participate in the upcoming BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting to be hosted in India next year.
- Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as fertilizers, seeds, market access, and joint research projects, with the goal of benefiting farmers in both nations.
Delegations Present
- The Russian delegation included Deputy Ministers Maxim Markovich and Marina Afonina, Sergey Dankvert (Head of FSVPS), and Daria Koroleva (Director, Asia Division), among others.
- The Indian side was represented by Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; M. L. Jat, Secretary of DARE; Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary of Fertilizers; officials from the Ministry of External Affairs; and senior officers from DA&FW.
