India and the Netherlands are exploring opportunities to strengthen agricultural cooperation by combining Dutch expertise in agricultural technology with India's large farming market and growing use of digital tools. Silvio Erkens, the Netherlands' Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, described the two countries as “natural partners” in agriculture.
Speaking during a visit to Bengaluru with a delegation of 18 Dutch businesses and organisations, Erkens highlighted opportunities for collaboration in horticulture, seed technology, water management and sustainable food production.
He noted that the Netherlands, despite its relatively small population of around 18 million, is the world's second-largest exporter of agricultural goods after the United States. India, meanwhile, has a much larger agricultural production base and is seeking to improve productivity through innovation and technology.
Digital Technology and Precision Agriculture
Erkens said the Netherlands is interested in India's use of smartphones, software and artificial intelligence to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity. He observed that India's experience in deploying digital tools for its large smallholder-farmer population could also offer useful lessons for Dutch agriculture.
Water management emerged as a major area for potential cooperation. The proposed areas of work include rainwater storage through horticultural systems, precision irrigation and monitoring technologies that help farmers supply crops with the required amount of water at the right time.
Drip irrigation integrated with artificial intelligence and monitoring systems could improve water-use efficiency and support more sustainable farming practices.
Focus on Climate-Resilient Seeds
The two countries are also looking to strengthen cooperation between their seed sectors to develop crop varieties capable of withstanding longer dry periods and changing climatic conditions.
Erkens highlighted the need to accelerate seed innovation, noting that climate change is progressing faster than conventional crop-breeding cycles, which can take 10–15 years.
Discussions were reportedly underway with the Union Government and states such as Maharashtra to intensify cooperation. The India-Netherlands Seed Forum, which brings together companies from both countries, is also working to advance collaboration.
Trade Barriers and Future Cooperation
Erkens identified tariffs and non-tariff barriers as challenges that have affected agricultural collaboration between India and the Netherlands. He said the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement could help address some tariff-related barriers once it comes into effect.
The discussions reflect growing opportunities for cooperation in agricultural innovation, water-efficient farming, seed development and sustainable food production.
For India's dairy and food-processing industries, stronger technology partnerships could also create opportunities in precision farming, resource-efficient production, supply-chain management and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Source: Dairynews7x7 3 Oct, 2026 Read full story here
#Agriculture #AgriTech #PrecisionAgriculture #ClimateSmartAgriculture #FoodSecurity #IndiaNetherlands #DairyNews7x7
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