India, Netherlands discuss deepening agricultural cooperation

India and the Netherlands discussed ways to deepen cooperation in agriculture, with a focus on technology, innovation, seed sector collaboration and market access.Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held bilateral talks with Dutch Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature Silvio Erkens in New Delhi on September 28, 2026, according to agnecy reports.
The discussions reviewed ongoing cooperation in the agriculture sector and explored new areas for collaboration. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to improving agricultural productivity through modern technology, innovation and knowledge exchange.The two countries discussed progress in establishing 25 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in agriculture and horticulture. They also agreed to explore cooperation in the seed sector through a work plan outlining key areas and providing a framework for effective implementation.
Agricultural innovation was another key area of discussion, with both sides looking at potential areas of cooperation and sharing expertise based on advancements made by India and the Netherlands.The Dutch delegation included Marten van den Berg, Director General, Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, and other senior officials.The Indian delegation included Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra, DARE Secretary M L Jat and other senior officials from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.