India and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations have decided to work together, aiming to address the climate change challenges, enhance food security and improve livelihood of the farmers
The 4th ASEAN-India ministerial meeting on agriculture and forestry, held in New Delhi on 13 January 2018, also focused on a collaborative effort to enhance agro-forestry in the region, exchange farm machineries and develop heterotic rice hybrids.
A joint statement after the summit stated, “We underscore the importance of addressing climate change as it negatively impacts food security and look forward to cooperation, to promote enhanced resilience of natural systems and improve the adaptive capacities of people to cope with environmental hazards.”
Radha Mohan Singh, minister of agriculture and farmers’ welfare, highlighted the need to further build upon collaborations in areas of agri-technology, food processing, value chains, agri-marketing and capacity building for the benefits fo the farmers in the entire region.
The meeting also discussed the need for young and women farmers to develop more efficient farming practices and management skills through information sharing.
During the meeting, India and ASEAN expressed satisfaction in executing the plan of action decided for the 2011- 2015 period. The countries further agreed to help further deepen and enhance the cooperation in food, agriculture and forestry.
The 10 members of the ASEAN union are Singapore, Myanmar, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia.
