India and Kenya convened their first Joint Working Group meeting on Agriculture in virtual mode, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector and related domains.
The meeting was co-chaired by Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary International Cooperation, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Stephen Rono from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Kenya.
During the discussions, both sides shared perspectives on current priorities, structural challenges and emerging initiatives shaping their respective agricultural landscapes. The deliberations underscored the importance of deepening institutional collaboration, enhancing knowledge exchange and leveraging complementarities between the two countries.
The two delegations engaged in detailed and constructive discussions on agricultural research partnerships, improving market access for agricultural products, farm mechanization, capacity building and structured training initiatives. Emphasis was placed on strengthening research linkages, facilitating technology transfer and enhancing productivity through innovation-driven interventions.
Both countries recognised the potential to expand cooperation in sustainable agriculture practices, natural resource management and extension services. The dialogue reflected a shared commitment to modernising agriculture while ensuring resilience, inclusivity and food security.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Crops Division, Mechanization and Technology Division, Natural Resource Management Division, Plant Protection Division and Extension Division of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Representatives from the High Commission of India in Kenya and the Ministry of External Affairs also participated.
The inaugural Joint Working Group meeting establishes a structured framework for ongoing engagement and policy coordination between India and Kenya in the agricultural sector. It is expected to facilitate sustained collaboration in research, technology dissemination, skill development and market integration, strengthening the agricultural partnership between the two nations.
