India and New Zealand strengthen agricultural ties in high-level meeting

New Delhi: In a high-level bilateral meeting held in New Delhi, India’s Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and New Zealand’s Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Trade, and Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs, Todd McClay, engaged in constructive discussions to enhance cooperation in the horticulture sector and strengthen the agricultural partnership between the two countries.

The meeting highlighted key areas of mutual interest, including trade, market access, and technical cooperation.

The discussions focused on sharing information about the agricultural priorities of both nations and exploring new avenues for partnership. One of the central topics was the proposed Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on horticulture, which aims to deepen the agricultural partnership that has seen significant progress in recent years.

Minister Chouhan acknowledged New Zealand’s proactive efforts in strengthening ties with India and praised the New Zealand government’s ongoing commitment to the relationship. He also emphasized the historical, business, and cultural ties between the two nations, noting the contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand and the increasing educational exchanges.

Key outcomes included positive developments in trade and market access, with New Zealand supporting the import of Indian pomegranates and lifting restrictions on mango exports. Minister Chouhan expressed hope for swift approval of the newly audited VHT facilities in Lucknow and Delhi to enhance mango exports to New Zealand. The meeting saw participation from the High Commissioner of New Zealand to India, Patrick Rata, along with senior officers from both countries. 

Additionally, McClay thanked India for resuming pine log exports from New Zealand, addressing previous fumigation challenges. Minister Chouhan reiterated India’s support for ongoing cooperation in this area and highlighted the potential for expanding trade in agricultural products, including fresh and dried fruits like oranges and bananas. He specifically mentioned considering early market access for Indian grape exporters to New Zealand.

Both sides agreed on fostering greater private-sector partnerships to boost bilateral trade and investment. The meeting also emphasized the importance of technical cooperation in research and development, particularly in horticulture and cage fisheries, recognizing the sector’s vast collaboration potential.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working closely to strengthen economic and trade ties, benefiting farmers, producers, and consumers in both countries. The meeting concluded with Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan extending his best wishes to Minister McClay and his delegation for a productive and pleasant stay in India.