INDIA AND CANADA EXPRESS WILLINGNESS TO INCREASE
COOPERATION IN THE DAIRY SECTOR
India and Canada have expressed
willingness to enhance mutual cooperation in the dairy sector.
This emerged at a meeting here today between the Agriculture Minister,
Shri Rajnath Singh and the visiting Canadian Agriculture Minister,
Mr. Lyle Vanclief. The visiting dignitary pointed out that India
is the biggest producer of milk in the world and there is tremendous
possibility of collaboration in the dairy sector between the two
countries. Shri Rajnath Singh responded by saying that India can
take Canada’s help in increasing the shelf life of milk and in
the area of quality improvement of dairy products. The Canadian
Minister also showed interest in enhancing cooperation in the
area of water management. He said that exchange of expertise is
taking place between the two countries in the field of agriculture
and this needs to be further strengthened. Shri Rajnath Singh
said that India and Canada should enhance cooperation in the area
of agricultural research and training. He suggested that technical
experts from both the sides should meet and identify specific
areas of collaboration.
Referring to agriculture related
WTO issues, Shri Rajnath stressed the need for substantial reduction
in export subsidies and domestic support given by the developed
countries to their agricultural products. The Canadian Minister
said that his country recognizes the need for special and differential
treatment to developing countries in the matter of agricultural
trade.
Indian exports to Canada in 2002
amounted to 1,008,520 US dollars . The items included spices,
coffee and marine products. Indian imports from Canada in 2002
amounted to 512240 US dollars.
Canada is the third largest producer
and second largest wheat exporter. Canada’s agri-food industry
is among the top five industries. 75% of Canada’s fish and seafood
production is exported to more than 80 countries.
