India at G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Cuiabá, Brazil

On September 12-13, 2024, India participated in the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Cuiabá, Brazil. Led by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, the Indian delegation engaged in bilateral discussions with several global partners to enhance agricultural cooperation and address market access issues.

Meetings with Japan

On September 12, Thakur met Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Sakamoto. They discussed strengthening agricultural technology, food processing, cold storage, and sustainability. India pressed for faster approval of Indian pomegranates and grapes, while Japan sought market access for Japanese cedar.

Discussions with Brazil

On September 13, Thakur and Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Host Carlos Fávaro, highlighted their nations’ strong relationship and planned to deepen cooperation in science and technology, focusing on ethanol production. They aimed to finalize an MOU between ICAR India and EMBRAPA Brazil before the G20 Leaders’ Summit. India sought market access for various agricultural products, while Brazil requested access for citrus fruits.

U.S. Engagement

Thakur met Xochitl Torres Small, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture for the U.S., to reaffirm commitments to the USDA and MA&FW Dialogue initiatives. They explored advancements in climate-smart agriculture, innovation, productivity, and crop risk protection. The U.S. promised to share crop insurance expertise, while India highlighted market access issues for fruits and vegetables and discussed the expedited access for alfalfa hay fodder.

Interaction with Germany

With Germany’s Parliamentary State Secretary, Ophelia Nick, Thakur reviewed Indo-German engagements, focusing on artificial intelligence in farming, support for small farmers, agroecology, and organic farming. Germany invited Thakur to the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin.

Engagement with the UK

In a meeting with Daniel Zeichner, UK Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, both countries showed interest in making agriculture more sustainable. They discussed precision breeding, gene editing, and agricultural extension services, with the UK interested in India’s extension models, particularly KVKs and ATMA.

Collaboration with Spain

Thakur and Spain’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas, explored technology transfer, water-use efficiency, and climate-resilient agriculture. Spain appreciated India’s approval of a veterinary certificate for dairy products and sought further cooperation on sanitary protocols, especially for meat.

Discussion with UAE

Thakur’s meeting with UAE’s Minister of Environment and Climate, Dr. Amna Al Dahak, focused on enhancing trade in agriculture and collaborating on research and technology. The UAE showed interest in vertical farming and high-yield technologies, while both countries discussed sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.