Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan holds talks with Dutch Minister Mr. Silvio Erkens; discussions focus on Centres of Excellence, seed sector cooperation, market access issues and agricultural innovation
प्रविष्टि तिथि: 02 OCT 2026 7:10PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held bilateral talks with Mr. Silvio Erkens, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Netherlands, in New Delhi on 28th September 2026.
The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing cooperation in agriculture sector, and strengthening agricultural cooperation by exploring new areas of cooperation. Both sides reiterated their resolve to enhance productivity through modern technology, innovation and knowledge exchange.
Both sides discussed progress on establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. Further, both sides agreed to explore cooperation in the seed sector though a work plan outlining key areas of cooperation for a clear framework for effective implementation.
In the area of agricultural innovation, both sides discussed identifying potential areas of cooperation, recognising the significant progress and advancements made by both countries in this field.
In addition to the Agriculture Minister, the Dutch delegation included Mr. Marten van den Berg, Director General, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, along with Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador, and other officials from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in India.
The Indian side included Shri Atish Chandra, Secretary, Dr. M L Jat, Secretary, DARE and other senior officials of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
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SS/DK
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