India and Ukraine on June 18, 2025, held their first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on agriculture via virtual mode, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in farming technologies, food processing, and research. The meeting was co-chaired by Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Oksana Osmachko, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.
Officials described the meeting as a milestone in strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture and allied sectors. Both countries shared their agricultural priorities and explored collaboration in areas such as climate-resilient farming, genome editing, soil fertility mapping, and digital solutions for farmers.
India highlighted its recent achievements and initiatives aimed at modernising the farm sector. During the meeting, Ajeet Kumar Sahu spoke about key schemes like the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds, National Food Security Mission on Pulses, and the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), which have helped improve productivity and rural incomes. He also mentioned government efforts in promoting climate-smart practices, risk management tools, and farmer credit access.
On her part, Osmachko emphasised Ukraine’s interest in expanding collaboration with India in advanced agricultural technologies. She said both countries, with their deep-rooted farming cultures, have much to gain through shared learning and joint innovation. Ukraine expressed particular interest in food processing, agricultural mechanisation, and plant breeding technologies.
The two countries also discussed cooperation in horticulture, technology transfer, market access, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. Senior representatives from India’s Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Department of Fisheries, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, FSSAI, ICAR and Ministry of External Affairs were present during the meeting.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular dialogue and work toward specific joint initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and improving farmer welfare.
