Organic Ties and Mechanized Moves: India–Sri Lanka Dig Deep into Agri-Cooperation

In a significant move to strengthen regional agricultural cooperation, India and Sri Lanka convened the inaugural Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on October 30, 2025, at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The session was co-chaired by Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of India’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Mr. D. P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation.

The meeting laid the groundwork for structured collaboration in key areas such as farm mechanization, organic and natural farming, seed sector development, and agri-entrepreneurship. Discussions also covered digital agriculture, crop insurance, and climate-resilient practices. The Sri Lankan delegation visited the Indian Agricultural Research Institute to explore India’s agri-tech ecosystem and research capabilities.

Key highlights:

• Focus areas: Mechanization, organic farming, seed innovation, agri-startups  
• Technology themes: Digital agriculture, crop insurance, climate resilience  
• Institutional exchange: Sri Lankan officials toured Indian Agricultural Research Institute  
• Strategic goal: Strengthen food and nutritional security through regional cooperation  

Sources: NewsOnAir, Devdiscourse, Lokmat Times, The Indian Awaaz