India-Canada Meeting on Agriculture Trade Relations

A meeting between Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Sushri Shobha Karandlaje and Premier of Saskatchewan Province of Canada H.E. Mr. Scott Moe was held today in Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The agenda of the meeting was to discuss Saskatchewan’s ongoing trade relationship with India as a consistent and reliable supplier of pulses, potash, agricultural technologies and research partnerships.

MoS Sushri Shobha Karandlaje emphasized the significance of trade relations between India and Saskatchewan for India’s energy and food security. MoS mentioned that Saskatchewan is a reliable supplier of uranium, potash, lentils, peas, chickpeas and semi-chemical wood pulp products and commodities and also one of the largest sources of import of pulses to India. She emphasized to explore the cooperation in the field of biotechnology, agri-tech and wastewater treatment and further proposed to strengthen the knowledge exchange, technology transfer between India and Saskatchewan in sustainable agriculture through regular Technical Group meetings.

H.E. Mr. Scott Moe mentioned that India-Saskatchewan relations have become stronger and Saskatchewan is helping partner countries to achieve energy and food security. H.E. Mr. Scott Moe also highlighted the importance of advancing the agri-food production system, sustainable agri-food products, sharing innovation and developing natural resources for ensuring the global food security. Further he emphasized the importance of Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) for comparative analysis and benchmark studies on sustainable agriculture, carbon footprint of crops like canola and wheat, and expressed his willingness to share the technologies and best sustainable production practices with India. H.E. Mr. Scott Moe agreed to discuss and explore the cooperation areas, knowledge exchange and technology transfer between India and Saskatchewan through Technical Group meetings.

Both sides supported continuity in discussions and regular dialogue for strengthening the bilateral relations.