Indian and Italy sign a new MoU for cooperation in Agriculture and Phytosanitary issues

Newdelhi:6/12/17;Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh welcomed the visiting delegates led by Shri H.E Maurizio Martina, Italian Minister for Agriculture Food and Forestry Policies , mentioning that India and Italy enjoy traditionally friendly and cordial relations. Shri Radha Mohan Singh also conveyed that India attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties between the two countries and look forward to further expand and strengthen ties between the two countries in various areas including in the Agriculture sector. Shri Singh thanked the Italian Minister for participating in the AGRIMACH India, 2017 along with a large business delegation.

Shri Singh identified areas such as agriculture machinery, training, investment, institutional linkages, precision farming, cattle breeding and fisheries having much potential for cooperation, and briefly provides the initiatives taken by the Government in the field of agriculture market, soil health, irrigation, crop insurance etc.
The two Ministers signed a new MoU for cooperation in Agriculture and Phytosanitary issues that will replace the one signed in 2008. The MOU provides a good framework for cooperation in this field. Earlier in the day, the Minister met Mr. Gilbert F Houngbo and congratulated him on being appointed as the President, IFAD.
Shri Singh said India has contributed 37 million USD in the 10th replenishment of IFAD for the period 2016-2018. He further added that he looks forward to enhanced cooperation between India and IFAD in the coming years. Together, we can do much more by expanding the collaboration with the private sector, and to engage more systematically in South-South Technical Cooperation involving public and private organizations as well as farmers and their organizations.

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