Moscow: AfricUpdate – News Desk
Egypt and India have convened the inaugural meeting of their Joint Agricultural Technical Committee, as reported by Sada El-Balad, a partner of TV BRICS. The virtual meeting brought together high-level officials from both nations, aiming to translate previous discussions into concrete actions. Saad Musa, Vice President of the Agricultural Research Centre and Head of Foreign Agricultural Relations, led the Egyptian delegation. The Indian delegation was headed by Jitender Singh, Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Representatives from various research institutes specialising in field crops, animal husbandry, land, water, and the environment also participated. The meeting centred on the establishment of an Agricultural Technical Working Group and its proposed agenda. Both sides concurred on prioritising areas of cooperation that serve the interests of both countries. Key areas include a focus on advanced irrigation systems and optimising the use of inorganic fertilisers, sharing expertise in soil health, cooperating on the cultivation of rice and millet varieties that are resistant to environmental stressors, and exchanging genetic materials to enhance productivity.
Further cooperation will include exchanging expertise and skills between researchers in both countries through joint research projects and training courses, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of agricultural sector workers. Cooperation in animal health was also emphasised. The participants concluded that a second committee meeting would be held virtually in October or early December. A face-to-face meeting in either Egypt or India is planned for the following year.
