Delegates from India and the ten ASEAN member countries gathered in New Delhi on September 9 to discuss how to expand agricultural collaboration that can be scaled across the region. The meeting, convened by India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, brought together senior officials from agriculture ministries, trade bodies and research institutions.
Participants outlined three priority sectors: digital agriculture platforms, joint research on climate‑smart crops, and streamlined cross‑border trade of horticultural produce. India offered to share its e‑NAM (National Agriculture Market) model, which links farmers to buyers through a unified online portal, while ASEAN partners highlighted successful pilot projects in precision irrigation and drone‑based pest monitoring.
The talks also addressed supply‑chain bottlenecks, with both sides agreeing to harmonise phytosanitary standards and simplify customs procedures for perishable goods. A memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed by the end of the month, paving the way for pilot projects in India’s Punjab and Vietnam’s Mekong Delta regions.
Analysts note that the initiative aligns with the broader Indo‑ASEAN strategic partnership and could boost food security for both blocs, which together account for roughly one‑quarter of global agricultural output. By leveraging each other's strengths—India’s large agritech ecosystem and ASEAN’s diverse agro‑climatic zones—the cooperation aims to increase yields, reduce post‑harvest losses and open new export markets.
The dialogue concluded with a commitment to hold an annual ministerial review, ensuring that progress on technology transfer, capacity building and market access is monitored and scaled up where successful.
