On Friday, September 26, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan met Russian Deputy Minister for Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev to discuss boosting agricultural trade between the two nations and expanding India’s exports of agricultural products to Russia. Furthermore, the leaders emphasized bilateral cooperation in agriculture. Not only this, but both sides also expressed interest in formalizing the partnership through a memorandum of understanding.
What did the Agri minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan say apart from agricultural trade?
The minister highlighted India’s significant priorities in the sector, including ensuring food security, improving farmer incomes, and encouraging access to safe and nutritious food, as per the agriculture ministry’s statement. Moreover, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said: “The exemplary level of mutual trust and understanding characterises the longstanding partnership between India and Russia” and cited the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family, to outline the significance of international collaboration for farmers’ welfare and food security.
On a related note, Russian Deputy Minister for Agriculture DmitryPatrushev stressed the robust cooperation between the two countries across sectors, including agriculture, and stated that Russia is interested in reinforcing agricultural trade ties. He expressed enthusiasm for formalising this partnership through an MoU.
In addition, the meeting also covered potential collaborations in seed traceability systems, research and development initiatives, and technical exchanges intended to foster innovation and technology adoption in farming. Apart from this, both sides agreed to reinforce cooperation in education and scholarship opportunities for students in agriculture-related fields.