India and Sri Lanka have agreed to boost cooperation in agriculture sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and food security, during the first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture held in New Delhi on October 30, 2025. The meeting, held at Krishi Bhawan, was co-chaired by Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and D. P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Sri Lanka.
Both sides discussed a wide range of topics to strengthen collaboration in farm mechanization, organic and natural farming, seed sector development, agri-entrepreneurship, and agricultural education. They also exchanged views on improving soil health management, enhancing market access, and promoting climate-resilient farming systems to address the challenges posed by climate change.
The two countries also explored opportunities for joint research, capacity building, and technology transfer, with a special emphasis on digital agriculture, crop insurance, and support for agri-startups. Officials said these discussions aim to help farmers adopt modern, sustainable, and profitable agricultural practices in both nations.
As part of the visit, the Sri Lankan delegation toured the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, to understand India’s agricultural innovation ecosystem and learn from its advancements in research and technology.
The meeting underlined the shared goal of India and Sri Lanka to strengthen food and nutritional security through mutual learning and cooperation.
Senior officials from the Indian side, including representatives from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and the Ministry of External Affairs, also participated in the discussions.
