March 18, 2002

'27'

INDIA AND USA TO WORK TOGETHER IN AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

   India and the United States today agreed to cooperate in the field of agricultural biotechnology and agricultural marketing. The agreement was reached when Dr. Joseph Jen, Under Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture called on the Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Ajit Singh here today. During the meeting both sides recalled their continued cooperation in the field of agriculture and wanted to pursue the agreement on cooperation in agricultural sciences signed between the two countries in 1996. Accordingly, a work plan formulated by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education of the Union Agriculture Ministry, has been forwarded to United States, Department of Agriculture. This work plan envisages cooperation in the field of study of soil, water and environment pollution, development of sustainable models of agriculture production systems, integrated nutrient management and water management, research systems in mechanisation and post harvest operations, exchange of germplasm between ICAR and USDA, genetic engineering and recombinant technology for augmentation of livestock, animal environment ecosystems evaluations. The Indian side urged the visiting delegation to provide substantial funds for collaborating research in agriculture. Stating that after PL-480 there has been no substantial funding from the US.

    Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, Mr. Le Huy Ngo met Shri Ajit Singh and suggested that since both the sides are focusing on diversification, marketing of agricultural commodities and post harvest management, India and Vietnam should cooperate in these fields for mutual benefits. The Vietnam Minister also wanted cooperation in the field of exchange of germplasm and in the field of biotechnology. The visiting delegation recalled the assistance given by India in training of agricultural scientists from Vietnam in India’s agricultural research institutions. Both sides have signed a MoU for cooperation in the field of agriculture since 1992 and continue to renew their cooperation in the field of agriculture, animal husbandry, rice research and exchange of agricultural literature and germplasm.