India Region

India-Netherlands Partnership to Establish 24 Centers of Excellence in Agriculture

28 October 2024, New Delhi: In a strategic meeting aimed at bolstering agricultural cooperation, H.E. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, met with Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The discussions focused on current collaborations and future opportunities in the agriculture and allied sectors, highlighting a mutual commitment to enhance agricultural innovation and productivity.

Ambassador Gerards emphasized the long-standing partnership between the Netherlands and India, a collaboration rooted in a Memorandum of Understanding that has guided agricultural ties for over 40 years. She underscored the Netherlands’ dedication to supporting India, particularly in horticulture, to leverage Dutch expertise and enhance India’s agricultural landscape.

Dr. Chaturvedi noted that India and the Netherlands have jointly identified 24 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) aimed at strengthening India’s horticulture, animal husbandry, and related agricultural sectors. Of these, 9 centers have received funding under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), with Dutch technical support playing a crucial role in their establishment. Seven of these centers are already operational, producing high-quality planting material and delivering training to farmers. So far, over 25,000 farmers across India have benefited from training programs at these CoEs, gaining access to advanced practices in horticulture and sustainable farming.

In addition, the proposal for joint development of farm machinery specifically suited to India’s unique agricultural needs reflects the countries’ shared commitment to agricultural innovation. Additional Secretary Shri Pramod Kumar Meherda emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting that such machinery could make farming more efficient and sustainable for Indian farmers.

The meeting marked a positive step towards fortifying India-Netherlands cooperation, particularly through the planned establishment of 24 Centers of Excellence dedicated to advancing India’s agricultural sector and enhancing productivity. Both nations expressed optimism about the future of this partnership, recognizing its potential to bring lasting benefits to India’s agricultural community.

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