(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Dec 5 (KNN) Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Oxana Lut, at Krishi Bhawan on 4 December to review ongoing collaboration and explore future opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Chouhan noted that bilateral agricultural trade currently stands at around USD 3.5 billion and emphasised the need for a more balanced trade relationship.

During the meeting, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Russia's Federal Center for Animal Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in agricultural research, innovation, and capacity building.

He also expressed appreciation to Russia for resolving longstanding issues related to the export of Indian potatoes, pomegranates, and seeds.

The discussions focused on expanding exports of food grains and horticulture products from India, as well as deepening cooperation in fertilisers, seeds, market access, and joint research initiatives.

Chouhan also invited Russia to participate in the BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting to be hosted by India next year. Lut expressed keen interest in further enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation in the agriculture sector.

(KNN Bureau)

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