Afghanistan’s Agriculture Minister Calls on India to Invest in Afghan Farming Sector
Ataullah Amiri, the Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock of the Taliban administration, urged Indian companies to invest and transfer technology to modernize Afghanistan’s agricultural sector during the “India-Afghanistan Trade Opportunities” meeting in New Delhi. He emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of Afghanistan’s economy, requiring mechanization and innovation.
The meeting was organized by the International Affairs (Asia-Pacific) section of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, supported by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Government officials, diplomats, and business leaders from both sides attended. Amiri highlighted the historical ties between Afghanistan and India, stating that the warm reception from Indian officials boosts the spirit of cooperation.
According to him, nearly 80 percent of Afghanistan’s population earns their livelihood through agriculture, irrigation, and livestock. He stressed that there are extensive investment opportunities in areas such as improved seed production, food industries, cold chain infrastructure, livestock development, water resource management, renewable energy, and rural development.
Amiri also pledged that a conducive environment for long-term economic cooperation would be established. Meanwhile, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, Chargé d’affaires of the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi, noted that recent diplomatic engagements offer a new opportunity to strengthen bilateral economic relations.
He added that agriculture, renewable energy, mining, infrastructure, and tourism could be key sectors for future cooperation, and the Afghan Embassy supports attracting investment and expanding trade ties.
Indian private sector representatives also emphasized the development of cooperation. D. P. Goyal, head of a technology company and co-chair of the SME Committee of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, deemed collaboration in satellite mapping, agricultural product monitoring using drones, and sustainable technologies as important.
Similarly, Vishal Parmar, Innovation Director of SN Group, highlighted the significance of agricultural product tracking systems, nanotechnology-based solutions for water management, and renewable energy storage for strengthening bilateral trade and sustainable development.
