Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare PIB Delhi Read the original release on pib.gov.in
- Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacted with Dutch Minister Shri Silvio Erkens; The discussions mainly focused on 'Centres of Excellence', cooperation in seed sector, market access issues and innovation in agriculture sector
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan held bilateral talks with Shri Silvio Erkens, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature of the Netherlands in New Delhi on 28 September 2026.
The meeting focused on reviewing the ongoing cooperation in the 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 exchange of knowledge.
Both sides discussed the progress made towards setting up 25 Centers of Excellence (CoE) in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. Furthermore, both sides agreed to work on possibilities of cooperation in the seed sector; For this, an action plan will be prepared which will detail the main areas of cooperation and a clear framework for effective implementation.
In terms of innovation in the agricultural sector, both sides discussed identifying potential areas of cooperation and recognized the remarkable progress and development made by both countries in this sector.
Apart from the Agriculture Minister, the Dutch delegation included Mr. Maarten van den Bergh, Director General in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature and other senior officials, Ambassador Ms. Marisa Gerards and other officials of the Embassy of the Netherlands in India.
On the Indian side, Secretary Shri Atish Chandra, Secretary, DARE and Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Dr. M.L. Jat and other senior officials were included.
This is the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and is published without changes.