BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministers Meeting Nepal: Food Security, Seed Storage, Trade
10th April 2025, Kathmandu
The third BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting concluded on 9 April in Kathmandu, Nepal. The meeting was chaired by Honorable Ram Nath Adhikari, the Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister of Nepal.
BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministers Meeting
Ministers from India and Bhutan attended the meeting in person, while ministers from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka joined virtually. Thailand’s Deputy Permanent Secretary also participated.
Focus on Regional Cooperation
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries across BIMSTEC countries. Participants discussed key challenges in these sectors and explored solutions for greater collaboration. A major topic of conversation was improving regional food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Reviewing Agricultural Progress and Future Plans
The meeting reviewed ongoing agricultural programs in the BIMSTEC nations. The progress of the BIMSTEC Agricultural Cooperation Plan (2023-2027) was a key point of discussion. Ministers and senior officials reviewed the implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing food security, rural development, and agricultural capacity in the region.
In addition, they discussed future agricultural goals and upcoming plans for the sector. These plans focus on improving agricultural trade, building capacity, and fostering regional partnerships in the agricultural field.
Key Agreements Reached
The meeting resulted in several important agreements. First, the member nations agreed on the establishment of a regional food reserve. This reserve will help ensure food security during times of crisis. Additionally, the creation of a regional seed storage facility was agreed upon to preserve agricultural biodiversity in the region.
Another key outcome was the promotion of regional agricultural trade. The ministers agreed on the importance of improving agricultural markets to increase trade between BIMSTEC countries. They also committed to providing capacity-building support to strengthen agricultural sectors in member nations.
Innovation and Technological Cooperation
To encourage innovation in agriculture, the meeting explored the creation of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence. This would foster collaboration in agricultural research and technology development. India presented a proposal for establishing a digital public infrastructure to support agricultural growth in BIMSTEC countries.
Furthermore, the ministers approved a new action plan for cooperation in the livestock and fisheries sectors. This plan aims to improve these sectors by sharing knowledge and expertise across the region.
Upcoming Agricultural Events
The meeting also highlighted upcoming events in agricultural cooperation. In June 2025, Nepal will host the Mountain Agriculture Technology Workshop. Additionally, Sri Lanka will establish a Climate-Smart Agriculture Centre to promote sustainable farming practices.
Bilateral Cooperation: Nepal and India
During the meeting, India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement focuses on joint efforts in agricultural research, technology development, crop production, and market expansion. The ministers emphasized the need for closer cooperation between the two nations to improve agricultural productivity and resilience.
Cooperation Between Nepal and Bhutan
Similarly, Nepal and Bhutan held bilateral talks on agricultural cooperation. The discussions focused on areas such as organic farming research, climate-resilient farming systems, and agricultural trade. Both nations agreed on the importance of collaborating to enhance their agricultural sectors.
Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture
In his address, Minister Ram Nath Adhikari expressed pride in hosting the meeting. He emphasized that agricultural cooperation is crucial for food security, poverty reduction, and rural development. The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from all member nations to work together towards a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future.
Looking Ahead: Future Meetings and Collaboration
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka has committed to hosting the fourth BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in 2027. This will further strengthen regional collaboration in the agriculture sector and build on the achievements of the current meeting.
In conclusion, this meeting has laid the foundation for stronger agricultural ties among BIMSTEC countries. Through shared goals, joint initiatives, and ongoing cooperation, BIMSTEC nations are poised to tackle agricultural challenges and ensure food security for their populations.
For more: BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministers Meeting
