KATHMANDU: The third meeting of Agriculture Ministers under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) concluded in Kathmandu on Wednesday, with member countries agreeing to strengthen regional collaboration in the fields of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
The meeting was chaired by Nepal’s Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, and was attended physically by ministers from India and Bhutan, while ministers from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka joined virtually.
The ministerial gathering endorsed a joint statement that had been prepared during the high-level officials’ meeting earlier. The statement highlights the need to address shared challenges in the agricultural sector, including those arising from climate change and the growing dependence on chemical inputs.
Minister Adhikari highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation among BIMSTEC nations to overcome mounting pressures in agriculture. “Climate change and excessive use of pesticides are common concerns. We must work together to ensure sustainable agricultural development across the region,” he said.
During the meeting, progress on previously agreed agricultural programs and action plans was reviewed. The ministers discussed future initiatives aimed at enhancing food security, building regional seed and food reserves, and promoting intra-regional agricultural trade.
The statement also outlined commitments to support capacity-building efforts and knowledge-sharing among member nations. India presented a proposal to establish a BIMSTEC Center of Excellence and develop digital public infrastructure to foster innovation in the agricultural sector.
In addition, the ministers approved a new action plan for cooperation in the livestock and fisheries sectors, with a focus on sustainability and resilience.
Looking ahead, Nepal will host a Mountain Agriculture Technology Workshop in June 2025, while Sri Lanka expressed its readiness to host the fourth BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in 2027, along with a high-level officials’ meeting. Sri Lanka also reiterated its commitment to setting up a Climate Smart Agriculture Center.
BIMSTEC, which includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, aims to enhance regional collaboration across multiple sectors including trade, technology, energy, and agriculture.
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