26 Aug 2024 16:44

Ukraine, India sign agreement on cooperation in agricultural sector

MOSCOW. Aug 26 (Interfax) - Ukraine and India have signed an agreement on cooperation in agriculture and food industry, Ukrainian media reported, citing the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry's press service.

Acting Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Taras Vysotsky and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the document on Friday during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kiev, it said.

The agreement envisions sharing information on laws, standards and samples of products of mutual interest, cooperation between the research institutes in the area of agriculture and food industry regarding scientific activities (fairs, exhibitions, conferences, symposiums, and so on).

The document stipulates the possibility of joint Ukrainian-Indian scientific research in the areas of genetics, plant breeding, biotechnology, plant protection, soil productivity conservation, mechanization, water resources, and in other areas, as well as provides for the mutual application of scientific results.

As part of bilateral relations, Ukraine and India agreed to share experience in livestock breeding, plant growing, in particular, grain and legumes, seed production, cooperate in examining plant varieties and protecting the rights to them, and exchange seed samples on favorable terms.

In addition, under the signed agreement, the two countries will explore the efficiency and feasibility of various types of irrigation, including micro irrigation, and study the use of fertilizer for their subsequent registration.

The agreement envisages cooperation in the area of trade in agricultural and food products, establishing joint ventures and sharing information on the development of the sales outlets for food products. The parties will share information and methodology on the effective use of food and packaging technologies, join efforts in the area of research and safety of food products and their standards.

The document also provides for cooperation in aquaculture and fisheries.

The agreement takes effect from the date of its signing and is valid for five years.

Ukrainian media also reported that Modi invited Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to visit India "at a mutually convenient opportunity," with the corresponding 32nd paragraph concluding the Ukrainian-Indian joint statement following the prime minister's visit to Kiev.