India and Sri Lanka to Collaborate on Seed Development, Organic Farming, and Digital Agriculture

New Delhi, October 31, 2025

India and Sri Lanka have agreed to deepen cooperation in key areas of agriculture, including seed sector development, organic and natural farming, agri-entrepreneurship, and digital agriculture, following the first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture held at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, on Friday.

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Government of India, and Mr. D. P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Government of Sri Lanka.

Expanding Bilateral Agricultural Cooperation

During the discussions, both sides explored collaboration in diverse areas such as farm mechanization, soil health management, agricultural education, market access, and climate-resilient farming systems. They also identified opportunities for joint research, capacity building, and knowledge exchange to strengthen food and nutritional security in both countries.

The meeting highlighted the potential for joint initiatives in digital agriculture, crop insurance, and the promotion of agri-startups, signaling a forward-looking approach to integrating innovation and technology into the agricultural partnership.

Sri Lankan Delegation Visits IARI

As part of the visit, the Sri Lankan delegation toured the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi, to gain insights into India’s cutting-edge agricultural research, innovation ecosystem, and technology transfer models that support farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.

Strengthening Ties for Food Security

Both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen cooperation for enhancing food and nutritional security, and to develop resilient agricultural systems capable of addressing emerging climate and sustainability challenges.

The Sri Lankan delegation included:

• Mrs. G. G. V. Shyamali, Additional Director General of Agriculture (Development), Department of Agriculture
• Mr. B. S. S. Perera, Director (Livestock Development), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation
• Mr. Geshan, Counsellor, High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

From the Indian side, senior representatives from DA&FW, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) participated in the meeting.

A Step Toward Regional Agricultural Resilience

The formation of the India–Sri Lanka JWG marks a significant milestone in institutionalizing agricultural cooperation between the two neighboring countries. It is expected to pave the way for joint projects, technology sharing, and sustainable agricultural models that benefit farmers on both sides.