On Thursday, August 28, India and Bhutan signed an MOU to enhance cooperation in agriculture and related sectors. According to an official statement, Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi and Thinley Namgyel, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), Royal Government of Bhutan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu to further strengthen collaboration in these fields.
About the MoU
Furthermore, the statement said that the signing of an MoU signals the two countries’ shared commitment to food security, sustainable farming and rural prosperity. It will serve as a framework for collaboration in numerous areas highlighted in the MoU, such as agricultural research and innovation, livestock health and production, post-harvest management, value chain development, and the exchange of knowledge, skills, and expertise.
Apart from this, the X handle of the Department of Agriculture posted some images showing delegates from both nations signalling the India-Bhutan Partnership.
Additionally, retweets from X handles of PIB handle and Embassy of India in Thimphu can also be seen on the X handle of the Department of Agriculture.
How to implement the MoU?
In order to implement the MoU, the first session of the Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) was held. The two countries agreed on the Terms of Reference for JTWG and priority areas of collaboration for immediate actions.
Not only this, Mr. Chaturvedi stressed the priorities and challenges, besides underscoring a series of initiatives launched by the Indian government for the growth of the agricultural sector. During the JTWG session, India and Bhutan carried out detailed discussions on key areas of cooperation, such as Agriculture, Livestock, Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives, Food Processing, Seed Sector, Research and Technology Collaboration, and Capacity Building.
Additionally, the two sides agreed to hold the next JTWG meeting in India at a mutually convenient date.