Question on COOPERATION WITH SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR

4024. SHRI V. VIJAYASAI REDDY:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has decided to cooperate closely with South American countries for improving the agriculture sector;
(b) whether a delegation from some of the South American countries visited the country recently for cooperation, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) how South American countries are more advanced in agriculture technology than India?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE(SHRI S. S. AHLUWALIA)

(a) to (c): India had signed MoUs for cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors with Surinam in 2003, Brazil in 2008 and Argentina in 2010. Chile has signed MoUs for cooperation in Animal health and plant protection sector in 2003 and 2008 respectively. The issue of cooperation in the sector was discussed with delegates from Brazil and Peru in the last one year.

Benefits accruing from such cooperation are in the nature of capacity building, knowledge exchange through visits of scientists and technicians, exchange of genetic resources etc. that aid in development of appropriate technologies and farm practices for enhancing agriculture productivity at farmer’s field. Such cooperation also facilitates creation of opportunities for trade in agriculture commodities. India’s strategic interests are also served through partnerships with other countries.

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COOPERATION WITH SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES IN AGRICULTURE