Nepal's Parliamentary Officials Hold Discussions with India's Agriculture Secretary and DARE Chief to Bolster Agricultural Collaborations between Both Nations
In a significant step towards deepening India-Nepal agricultural relations, a 16-member Nepalese parliamentary delegation visited Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi on July 29, 2025. The visit, led by former minister and Nepali Congress MP Sanjay Kumar Gautam, offered the delegates a comprehensive understanding of how India is modernizing its agricultural sector while ensuring the welfare of farmers.
The visit marked the first publication of this article on July 30, 2025, at 4:40 IST. During their stay, the delegation held discussions with senior Indian officials, including Devesh Chaturvedi and Dr. Mangi Lal Jat.
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, DARE, assured the delegation of India's readiness to extend scientific and technological support to Nepal. Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi emphasized India's dual focus on achieving nutritional security alongside food security. He also discussed digital transformation in agriculture as a key initiative.
The delegates were briefed on key components of India's agricultural ecosystem. India's precision farming, a holistic approach combining satellite and drone technology, AI and IoT sensors, big data analytics, and government support, was a major topic of discussion. This digital, data-driven agricultural system is tailored for higher efficiency and climate adaptation, enhancing resource use efficiency while increasing productivity and building resilience to climate change.
Precision techniques such as variable rate application (VRA) of inputs, site-specific fertilizer application guided by GIS-based soil and climate data, and the use of innovative fertilizers (e.g., polymer-coated slow-release fertilizers) were highlighted. These strategies help optimize inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides, minimizing environmental impact and reducing costs.
For climate-resilient farming, the strategies involve the use of AI and sensor-based smart agriculture to anticipate and respond to environmental stresses. Remote sensing helps detect crop health issues early, enabling timely interventions that mitigate climate stress impacts. The integration of drones and satellite data ensures real-time monitoring to adapt farming practices dynamically based on weather and soil conditions, fostering sustainability and resilience against climate variability.
Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi also emphasized robust risk mitigation frameworks aimed at safeguarding farmers against market volatility and climate uncertainties. He highlighted the promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in India as a strategy for empowering farmers.
The visit aimed to explore bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector between Nepal and India. Dr. Mangi Lal Jat stressed the importance of a multi-dimensional approach involving policy collaboration, technology exchange, and stronger linkages between farmers and agri-industries in both countries.
The delegation's visit concluded with a briefing on soil health management, efficient fertilizer use, precision farming, irrigation practices, crop insurance schemes, agricultural marketing, and strategies for climate-resilient farming. The 20th installment of PM-KISAN will be directly credited to farmers' accounts on August 2, 2025. (Related Link)
The meeting offered discussions on fostering new opportunities for knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration. The visit was a significant step towards deepening India-Nepal agricultural relations, providing the Nepali delegation with valuable insights into India's modern agricultural practices and strategies for climate-resilient farming.
The article published on July 30, 2025, at 4:40 IST discusses the political aspect of India's agricultural relations with Nepal, as the visit of a 16-member Nepalese parliamentary delegation to Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi led to a general-news announcement about the deepening ties between the two countries in agricultural modernization.
Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi underscored India's focus on both food and nutritional security, emphasizing digital transformation in agriculture as a key initiative during the visit of the Nepalese delegation, which brings attention to the intersection of politics and general-news discussions on agricultural advancement.
