In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural collaboration, India’s Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, met with Mr. Todd Mcclay, New Zealand’s Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Trade, and Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs, in New Delhi. The high-level bilateral meeting, held at Krishi Bhavan, brought together senior officials from both countries to discuss mutual interests and explore new avenues for partnership in the agricultural sector.
The discussions centered around key areas of cooperation, with a particular focus on horticulture. Both ministers emphasized the importance of sharing information and collaborating on agricultural priorities, highlighting the proposed Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on horticulture as a significant step forward. Minister Chouhan expressed his appreciation for New Zealand’s proactive approach to strengthening ties with India, acknowledging the deep historical, business, and cultural connections between the two nations.
The meeting saw positive developments in trade and market access. Minister Chouhan acknowledged New Zealand’s support for the import of Indian pomegranates and the lifting of restrictions on mango exports. He also expressed optimism for the swift approval of the newly audited Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) facilities in Lucknow and Delhi, which would facilitate increased mango exports to New Zealand. Furthermore, the Indian Minister highlighted the potential for expanding trade in other agricultural products, such as oranges, bananas, and grapes, and called for early market access for Indian grape exporters.
In response, Minister Mcclay thanked India for resuming pine log exports from New Zealand, overcoming previous fumigation-related challenges. Both ministers agreed on the importance of fostering greater private-sector partnerships to enhance bilateral trade and investment, recognizing the mutual benefits for farmers, producers, and consumers in both countries.
The meeting also touched on the potential for technical cooperation in Research and Development, particularly in horticulture and cage fisheries. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working closely to strengthen economic and trade ties, with a focus on benefiting the agricultural sectors in both nations.
The meeting concluded with Minister Chouhan extending his best wishes to Minister Mcclay and his delegation for a productive and pleasant stay in India, setting the stage for continued collaboration in the future.
