India and Argentina Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation with 2025–2027 Work Plan

India and Argentina have taken a significant step to deepen bilateral cooperation in agriculture by signing a comprehensive Work Plan for 2025–2027. The agreement, formalized between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), aims to promote research collaboration, technology exchange, and capacity building across a wide spectrum of agricultural domains. The formal exchange of the work plan took place in New Delhi, with Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, and Mariano Augustin Caucino, Argentina’s Ambassador to India, representing their respective countries.

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Enhancing Agricultural Research and Technology Exchange

The Work Plan outlines a robust framework for scientific collaboration between India and Argentina. Both countries have committed to joint research initiatives covering natural resource management, sustainable farming practices such as zero tillage, and the application of crop and animal biotechnology. The plan also emphasizes the use of digital agriculture tools to optimize productivity and mechanization to improve efficiency in farming operations. By integrating these technologies, the two nations aim to improve overall crop yields, promote sustainable agriculture, and strengthen food security.

In addition, the agreement includes initiatives to advance biosafety measures and strengthen phytosanitary standards. Such measures are intended to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products while facilitating cross-border trade in crops and livestock. This collaborative approach reflects the growing importance of science and innovation in modern agriculture.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer

A key component of the agreement is its focus on practical implementation and capacity building. The work plan envisions the exchange of experts, structured training programs, and study visits to enhance knowledge transfer. Both countries will work together on projects involving greenhouse vegetable production, floriculture, temperate fruit cultivation, post-harvest management, and value chain development for key crops. Additionally, efforts will be made to adopt precision livestock farming, microbial feed enhancement, and waste-to-wealth technologies, which can significantly increase productivity and sustainability in both nations’ agricultural sectors.

The plan also highlights the exchange of germplasm for critical crops, including soybean, sunflower, maize, blueberry, citrus, guava, and wild papaya. This initiative will help improve crop resilience, diversify agricultural production, and support the development of high-value horticultural crops.

Strengthening Plant and Animal Health Cooperation

Both countries have recognized the importance of biosecurity and coordinated approaches to plant and animal health. The Work Plan includes joint strategies for managing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in livestock and coordinated efforts to control locust outbreaks through monitoring and technology-sharing. By sharing best practices and scientific expertise, India and Argentina aim to mitigate risks to agriculture and safeguard rural livelihoods in both countries.

Furthermore, the collaboration extends to improving oilseed and pulse value chains, as well as mechanization practices, including the adoption of zero-tillage systems, cotton harvesting machinery, and drone technologies. Such interventions are expected to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall agricultural productivity.

Diplomatic Significance and Future Outlook

The signing of the Work Plan reflects the strengthened diplomatic ties between India and Argentina, following high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Javier Milei. Beyond agricultural collaboration, this agreement complements other bilateral engagements in trade, technology, and social development, signaling a broader commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation.

The agreement includes provisions for annual monitoring and review to ensure that the planned activities are implemented effectively. Both nations have expressed optimism that this partnership will yield tangible results in food security, rural development, and sustainable agriculture, while also fostering innovation and scientific collaboration in the sector.

The MGMM Outlook

India and Argentina have taken a significant step in strengthening their agricultural partnership through the signing of a comprehensive Work Plan for 2025–2027. Facilitated between India’s ICAR and Argentina’s INTA, the plan focuses on collaborative research, technology exchange, and capacity building across multiple areas of agriculture. Key initiatives include promoting sustainable farming practices, precision agriculture, crop and animal biotechnology, and mechanization to enhance productivity and efficiency. Both nations also aim to improve biosafety and phytosanitary standards to ensure quality agricultural outputs while supporting cross-border trade in crops and livestock. The agreement underscores the role of science and innovation in modern agriculture and highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in food security.

The Work Plan also emphasizes practical implementation through expert exchanges, training programs, and study visits. Collaborative projects will cover greenhouse vegetable production, floriculture, temperate fruit cultivation, post-harvest management, and value chain development for key crops. The agreement includes sharing germplasm for important crops such as soybean, sunflower, maize, blueberry, citrus, guava, and wild papaya to improve crop resilience and diversify production. Both countries will also coordinate on plant and animal health, including managing Foot-and-Mouth Disease in livestock and locust control measures. The partnership aims to optimize agricultural efficiency, reduce costs, and promote sustainable growth while reflecting strengthened diplomatic and trade relations between India and Argentina.

(Sources: ANI News, The Economic Time, The Tribune)