“Deepening Agri-Partnerships” — Shivraj Chouhan on Talks with New Zealand Minister
New Delhi, 13th August. In a high-level bilateral meeting held on Monday at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi, India’s Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan and New Zealand’s Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Trade, and Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs Todd McClay discussed advancing cooperation in the horticulture sector.
The meeting focused on opportunities for collaboration, including a proposed Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on horticulture. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing agricultural partnerships, which have already shown significant progress.
Minister Chouhan praised New Zealand’s proactive approach in strengthening ties with India and noted the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. Discussions also covered the positive developments in trade, including New Zealand’s support for Indian pomegranate imports and the lifting of restrictions on mango exports. Minister Chouhan expressed hope for the swift approval of newly audited VHT facilities in Lucknow and Delhi to boost mango exports to New Zealand.
The ministers acknowledged the resumption of pine log exports from New Zealand to India and explored expanding trade in other agricultural products, such as fresh and dried fruits. They also emphasized the importance of technical cooperation in research and development, particularly in horticulture and cage fisheries.
The meeting concluded with Minister Chouhan wishing Minister McClay and his delegation a productive stay in India.
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