India to sign MoU with Canada, Botswana in agricultural sector

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for signing of a MoU between India and Canada on cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.

The MoU will promote bilateral cooperation through knowledge exchange on emerging technologies, agricultural marketing and animal development.

The MoU will remain valid for a period of five years. Similarly, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a MoU for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors between India and Botswana.

This decision will promote further bilateral cooperation through joint activities and exchange of scientific delegations and experts between the two countries.

Agriculture in India is one of the most important sectors of the economy contributing 18.5 per cent of national income, about 15 per cent of total exports and supporting two-thirds of the work force.

The year 2007-08 promises to be a bumper year for Indian agriculture, with a host of crops clocking record output levels.

Agriculture and allied product exports increased by 20.5 per cent during April-October 2