India and the Netherlands have agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, horticulture, agricultural innovation and the seed sector, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said after bilateral talks with Dutch Minister Silvio Erkens.The meeting was held in New Delhi on September 28, 2026, as both countries reviewed ongoing agricultural cooperation and discussed new areas where technology, innovation and knowledge exchange could improve farm productivity.Key HighlightsIndia and Netherlands to expand agricultural cooperationSeed sector partnership to be explored through a dedicated work planProgress reviewed on 25 Centres of ExcellenceFocus on agricultural innovation, technology and knowledge sharingCooperation aims to support modern and sustainable farmingIndia and Netherlands Review Agricultural CooperationThe discussions focused on strengthening the existing India-Netherlands partnership in agriculture. Both sides reiterated their interest in improving farm productivity through modern technology, innovation and knowledge sharing.The two countries also reviewed progress in establishing 25 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in agriculture and horticulture under the bilateral partnership. These centres support the adoption of modern farming practices and advanced horticultural techniques in India.The Netherlands has been working with India in areas including protected cultivation, horticulture, food systems and agricultural technology. The broader partnership also includes knowledge exchange and capacity building for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.Seed Sector Partnership Under DiscussionA major focus of the latest talks was the seed sector. Chouhan and Erkens agreed to explore cooperation through a dedicated work plan that would identify priority areas and establish a framework for implementing joint initiatives.The Netherlands has expertise in seed improvement and agricultural innovation, while India has a large and diverse agricultural market. The Dutch government has also identified seed technology, sustainable crop protection, logistics and knowledge sharing as areas with potential for deeper cooperation with India.The India-Netherlands Seed Secretariat is already working to strengthen government-to-government cooperation in seed-sector development, including seed innovation, research and development, trade and investment.Focus on Agricultural InnovationAgricultural innovation was another important area discussed during the meeting. India and the Netherlands examined potential areas of collaboration while recognising developments in agricultural research, technology adoption and innovation-driven farming.The partnership comes as both countries seek greater use of technology and sustainable agricultural practices. Earlier in 2026, India and the Netherlands elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, with sustainable agriculture and food systems included among the areas of cooperation.Netherlands Agriculture Minister Visits IndiaDutch Minister Silvio Erkens visited India from September 27 to October 2, 2026, with the objective of strengthening cooperation in agriculture, horticulture, sustainable food processing and innovative value chains.The Dutch delegation included representatives from the government and 18 Dutch businesses and organisations exploring opportunities in India's agriculture and food sectors.The latest discussions indicate that India-Netherlands agricultural cooperation is moving towards more focused collaboration in seeds, horticulture, technology and innovation, with both sides looking at practical areas for future partnership.
