A renewed push for agricultural cooperation marked discussions between India and Afghanistan this week, as Afghanistan’s Agriculture Minister Mawlawi Ataullah Omari sought India’s support to modernise the country’s farming sector and improve food security.
During his meeting with Indian Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi, Omari described the visit as a positive step for Afghanistan after decades of conflict. “The welcome I received is hope for people of Afghanistan… hope for the betterment of our people,” he said. “For 45-50 years, we saw instability. Today we have a government which controls the whole geography. Leadership is working for the prosperity of people, especially for betterment of traders. We need India’s cooperation.”
Agriculture, irrigation and livestock support around 80% of Afghanistan’s population. Omari highlighted the need for modern farming technology, certified seeds and improved fruit processing facilities. “Our country is dependent on Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock,” he said. “Farmers need support for harvesting, protecting [the] harvest, and collecting the harvest. We want to help our farmers. We need support for processing of fruit, fresh fruits. We need cooperation on certified seed. We need technology for our farmers.”
India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Afghanistan through scientific expertise and agricultural innovation. Chouhan offered quality wheat, maize and potato seeds, climate-resilient and biofortified crop varieties, along with technical support from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Water management also featured prominently in the talks. Afghanistan requested assistance in tackling water scarcity and climate change through irrigation, water harvesting and watershed development. India offered support by sharing its experience in “micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, check dams and efficient water-use technologies, and expressed India’s willingness to support Afghanistan in developing sustainable irrigation systems and climate-resilient farming practices”, according to the Indian statement.
Both countries also discussed cooperation in horticulture, dairy, livestock, poultry, fisheries, digital agriculture, soil health and post-harvest management. They agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to prepare a long-term roadmap for collaboration through research, training, institutional exchanges and stronger agricultural trade. Omari’s visit marks the 4th ministerial visit from Kabul to New Delhi since October 2025.
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