India and ASEAN nations have emphasized enhancing cooperation in the areas of food security, climate-resilient agriculture, digital technology, and sustainable forestry. At the 9th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AIMMAF) held in New Delhi on September 9, 2026, an agreement was reached to give a new direction to cooperation in agriculture and forestry for the 2026–2030 period.
The meeting was co-chaired by Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines, on behalf of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, India’s Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, on behalf of India.
Boosting Food Security and Agricultural Supply Chains
The meeting emphasized strengthening food and agricultural supply chains amid challenges such as climate change, extreme weather, fluctuating agricultural input prices, and trade barriers. India and ASEAN agreed to ensure the availability of fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides; diversifying supply sources; and supporting small farmers and vulnerable sections.
The meeting appreciated the progress made under the ASEAN-India Medium-Term Plan of Action (2021-2025). During this period, cooperation was advanced in areas such as food security, climate-resilient agriculture, soil health, digital agriculture, science and technology, as well as farmer and institutional exchanges.
The ASEAN-India Millets Festivals held in Jakarta and New Delhi in 2023 promoted millets, nutrition, and climate-friendly crops. Meanwhile, under the ASEAN-India Fellowship for Higher Education in Agriculture and Allied Sciences launched in 2024, a provision was made for 50 master’s fellowships for students from ASEAN countries over a period of five years.
AI and Digital Agriculture in Focus
The proposed cooperation programme for 2026–2030 will place greater emphasis on emerging agricultural technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), precision agriculture and smart farming.
The cooperation will also promote low-emission rice cultivation, improved water productivity, soil health, bio-inputs and climate-resilient crops. Other priority areas will include food security, post-harvest management, and reducing food loss and waste.
Officials and implementing agencies were directed to translate the new 2026–2030 action plan into a result-oriented work programme with clear priorities, designated responsible agencies, timelines and measurable outcomes. The meeting also called for the scaling up of successful initiatives and regular monitoring and review of their implementation.
Next ASEAN-India Agriculture Meeting in 2028
Both sides agreed to hold the 10th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry in 2028. The ASEAN side expressed its gratitude to the Government of India for successfully organizing the meeting and for the hospitality extended to participating delegations.
(PIB)
