ASEAN-India Strengthen Cooperation in Agriculture and Forestry
The Ninth ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (9th AIMMAF) took place on September 9, 2026, in New Delhi, India. Co-chaired by H.E. Francisco P. Tiu Laurel from the Philippines and H.E. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan from India, the meeting emphasized the significance of ongoing cooperation between ASEAN and India in agriculture and forestry. This collaboration is seen as a vital element of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Delegates at the meeting reiterated their commitment to advancing initiatives aimed at ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and supporting farmers’ livelihoods. The discussions also focused on sustainable development practices, innovation, and enhancing the resilience of agricultural and forestry systems amidst global challenges.
Welcoming Vision for Future Cooperation
The meeting acknowledged the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, along with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which aims for a resilient and innovative ASEAN. Additionally, the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Food, Agriculture, and Forestry Towards 2045 was welcomed, highlighting strategic goals for sustainable and inclusive agricultural sectors.
Participants discussed various global uncertainties impacting food and agriculture, including climate change, market volatility, and geopolitical tensions. They recognized the necessity of ensuring the flow of essential agricultural supplies, enhancing regional monitoring systems, and supporting smallholder farmers in navigating these challenges. The consensus was clear: deepen practical cooperation to create resilient agricultural practices.
Significant Achievements and Future Plans
Noteworthy progress has been made under the ASEAN-India Medium-Term Plan of Action for 2021-2025. This plan facilitated ongoing dialogue between ministers and senior officials and fostered cooperation in areas like food security and climate-resilient agriculture. For instance, the ASEAN-India Millets Festivals celebrated dietary diversity in 2023, and the ASEAN-India Fellowship for Higher Education launched in 2024 allows students from ASEAN Member States to pursue advanced degrees in agriculture.
The new Medium-Term Plan for 2026-2030 aims to direct future collaborations across four key areas: policy dialogue, food security, technology cooperation, and human resource development. There is a strong focus on initiatives like digital agriculture, climate-resilient crops, and sustainable forest management.
Encouraging Broad Participation
The Meeting emphasized the need for active involvement from various stakeholders, including educational institutions, farmers’ organizations, and the private sector, to ensure impactful implementation of the new plans. Enhancing market connectivity and promoting value-added agricultural processing were highlighted as crucial steps towards improving agricultural product quality.
In the spirit of transparency and accountability, participants agreed to develop a rolling work program that outlines clear priorities and expected outcomes for the proposed initiatives. Progress will be monitored to ensure timely implementation and measurable benefits.
The Tenth ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry is set to take place in 2028, continuing this important cooperative journey. The meeting concluded with gratitude towards the Government of India for their warm hospitality during the event.
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