Cooperation in Agriculture An MoU on Cooperation in Agriculture was signed at New Delhi on 6th December, 1991 between the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India and the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Nepal. In accordance with the MoU, Work Plan for the years 2008-2009 is being developed by ICAR and NARC. From time to time, Government of India organizes visits/training of Nepali scientists in various institutions in India. Indian Agricutlure scientists also visit Nepal to impart training etc. Food Security (SAARC) National Centre for Agricultural Economics & Policy Research (NCAP) of India has proposed collaboration with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal for “Shuttle breeding for development and identification of high yielding varities of pulses for sustainable agriculture in South Asia”. This was in pursuance of discussions at the 14th SAARC Summit recently held at New Delhi where food security was one of the areas identified in which regional/sub-regional projects could be initiated. The NCAP Project is to be implemented by Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur and corresponding research institutes in other countries. The project is spread over a period of five years and will cost Rs. 1.60 crores. The goal of the project is to improve rural livelihood through enhanced pulse production using conventional breeding techniques. Agriculture is the backbone of Nepal’s economy contributing about 38% of GDP in Nepal. The livelihood of more than two third of population depends on agriculture. However, agriculture in Nepal is still traditional and subsistence oriented. There is an urgent need to modernize and commercialize the agricultural system to meet the demands of growing population. There is great potential in Nepal’s agriculture sector which can significantly contribute to the economic growth of the nation. Visits Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Chhabilal Bishwakarma led a delegation comprising Agricultural Scientists to India from August 19 to 23, 2007. He had meetings with the Indian Agricultural Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar and Director General ICAR. Meetings were also held to finalise the modalities of proposals submitted by Nepal for the development of agricultural sector. Mr. Bishwakarma also attended the New Delhi Ministerial Conference on Avian and Panademic Influenza held at New Delhi from 4-6 December, 2007 at the invitation of Government of India.
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