Agriculture Secretary William Dar welcomed India’s Ambassador to the Philippines H.E Shambhu S. Kumaran on November 25, 2020, at the Department of Agriculture.

The meeting aimed to further enhance the cooperation between the two countries particularly in the dairy sector, soil management, integrated farming, and agriculture digitalization.

Amb. Kumaran expressed India’s intention to collaborate with the Philippines on integrated farming, buffalo industry development, and farmers’ training in growing spices, such as cloves and nutmeg.

The Ambassador also discussed India’s expertise in soil health and rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Dar discussed market access concerns particularly on poultry, bovine meat, table grapes, potatoes, quinoa, and mandarin. He also informed the Ambassador of DA’s National Health Program and expressed cooperation with India on this as well.

Also during the courtesy call, Dar proposed for the revival of the Joint Working Group (JWG) in Agriculture.

In 2018, DA hosted the 2nd meeting of the JWG in Agriculture. India will host the next bilateral meeting. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)