In a significant stride for South Asian agricultural diplomacy, India and Nepal have agreed to expand cooperation in the agriculture sector with a renewed focus on action, technology and market facilitation. The agreement was finalized during the 9th Nepal-India Joint Agriculture Working Group meeting held in Kathmandu on December 29, 2025.
Both countries committed to formulating and implementing a biennial action plan within the next three months to convert long-standing bilateral agreements into measurable, real-world outcomes for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities on both sides of the border.
The meeting, co-chaired by India’s Additional Secretary of Agriculture and Nepal’s Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, underscored the deepening of ties in areas critical to food security, rural livelihoods, and agri-trade growth.
🔬 Strengthening Research, Universities & Tech Transfer
A major pillar of the agreement centers on expanding cooperation between agricultural universities and research institutes from both nations. Institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) will work jointly on separate, time-bound action programs designed to:
- Enhance agricultural R&D collaboration
- Share technological innovations between labs and field stations
- Accelerate climate-smart and digital farming solutions
- Strengthen seed science, soil health, and pest management networks
- Promote academic exchanges and farmer-centric innovation pilots IANS News
This strategic focus on science and technology aligns with broader global trends in agriculture, including digital agriculture and resilience planning — areas increasingly viewed as game changers for productivity and sustainability.
🐄 Livestock, Poultry & Fisheries: A New Frontier
Besides crops and technology, India and Nepal have also agreed to work more closely in livestock, poultry, and fisheries sectors under a dedicated memorandum of understanding. Collaboration in these allied areas will aim to enhance:
- Breeding systems and breed improvement
- Veterinary services and animal health protocols
- Fisheries development and hatchery modernization
- Supply-chain strengthening for non-crop agricultural goods
A notable outcome of earlier cooperation was the successful production of 92,766 doses of elite semen from high-quality Murrah buffaloes gifted by India, which Nepal has credited with improving local herd genetics and productivity. IANS News
📈 Trade Facilitation & Market Access
Trade and logistics also featured strongly in discussions. Both sides agreed to improve logistical processes — especially for fertilizers and agri inputs — while enhancing cooperation around food quality standards, quarantine procedures, and export testing protocols.
In a welcome development for Nepali exporters, India has formally recognized laboratory test certificates for eight categories of Nepali agricultural products, a move that clears procedural barriers to bilateral trade and paves the way for expanding agricultural exports.
Nepal has also urged expanded market access for its farm produce in India, seeking more seamless trade flows that benefit farmers and traders alike.
🌱 Future Outlook: Climate, Digital & Inclusive Growth
Looking ahead, both countries held in-depth discussions on emerging agricultural priorities such as digital agriculture, climate-resilient farming, sustainable natural farming systems, and food security strategies. IANS News
The next (10th) Joint Agriculture Working Group meeting is expected to be hosted in India at mutually decided dates, signaling a continued partnership and a shared commitment to bridging bilateral cooperation into concrete, farmer-focused outcomes.
In a region where agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods, this enhanced collaboration reflects a forward-looking approach that blends tradition with innovation to meet the demands of the coming decade.
