ITEC and Indian Agriculture: Building Global Bridges through Knowledge sharing

 

ITEC and Indian Agriculture: Building Global Bridges through Knowledge sharing

India has long been a trusted partner in the global development landscape, especially for countries in the Global South. One of the strongest reflections of this commitment ITEC program. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, launched on 15th September 1964 by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Established as a bilateral assistance program, ITEC reflects India’s commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation by sharing its developmental experience, technical knowledge, and capacity-building expertise with partner countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Pacific Islands. As of now, ITEC has partnered with 161 countries across the globe, supporting a wide range of training, education, and capacity-building programs across multiple sectors such as agriculture, rural development, health, IT, governance, education, and renewable energy.

ITEC and Agriculture in India:

Agriculture has been a central pillar of India’s ITEC collaboration. Through this platform, India shares its vast experience in agricultural innovation, extension systems, climate-resilient farming practices, sustainable development, water and soil management, agri-business, and natural resource conservation.Institutions like MANAGE, ICAR, IARI, and NIRDPR regularly host international professionals for training in diverse areas—ranging from sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient practices to soil health, agribusiness, and natural resource management. These programs are tailored to help countries facing similar agricultural and rural challenges, fostering a vibrant exchange of experiences and innovations.

MANAGE and ITEC: Highlights from 2024–25

During 2024–25, MANAGE organized seven specialized ITEC training programs in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs. These programs brought together 184 agricultural professionals from over 26 countries, including Indonesia, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Ghana, Syria, Nigeria, Vietnam, and many others. Participants engaged with India's agricultural transformation first hand—through classroom learning, institutional visits, and field exposure to farmers, startups, and grassroots innovators. The programs focused on practical knowledge and encouraged each delegate to prepare a Back-at-Work Plan, aimed at replicating or adapting key learnings in their home countries.

Key Themes Covered

While the topics were diverse, they were united by a common goal: to promote inclusive, sustainable, and technology-driven agricultural development. Some of the major focus areas included:

v                   v Agri-Startup Ecosystem and Innovation

Ø  Indian startup ecosystem in agriculture
Ø  Role of startups in crop-specific solutions (e.g., coconut, coffee, millets)
Ø  Mechanization, value chain innovation, and post-harvest technologies
Ø  Women-led agribusiness and rural entrepreneurship
Ø  Field exposure to Indian AgriTech startups

v     Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Agriculture

ØPPP models in agri-innovation and infrastructure
Ø  Role of FPOs in PPP frameworks
Ø  Market linkages, leadership, and institutional support
Ø  Case studies: e-NAM, Digital Green, IIMR, ICRISAT, and T-Hub 

v  v Digital Agriculture and Emerging Technologies

ØPrecision agriculture and smart farming
Ø  AI and Machine Learning in climate-smart farming
Ø  Drones, IoT, and geospatial tools for crop monitoring
Ø  Digital extension platforms like VISTAAR
Ø  ICT innovations such as mKisan, Kisan Call Centre, ChatGPT applications

v  v Sustainable Agriculture and Agripreneurship

ØAgribusiness planning, risk management, and financing
Ø  Governance and legal compliance of FPOs
Ø  Branding, organic certification, and global market access
Ø  Exposure to agribusiness incubation models
Ø  Gender-specific entrepreneurship and leadership building
Ø  A Platform for International Collaboration

What truly sets these programs apart is their role in fostering international collaboration and long-term networks. Delegates not only gain technical insights but also connect with Indian experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The mutual exchange of ideas, success stories, and policy experiences enriches both sides and helps create a community of global agricultural leaders.

Through interactive learning, hands-on exposure, and meaningful dialogue, the ITEC programs serve as a bridge, connecting India's agricultural strengths with the development needs of other nations. They demonstrate how knowledge, when shared with sincerity and purpose, can transform communities beyond borders.

Looking Ahead

India’s agricultural journey, from food scarcity to food self-sufficiency, and now to climate-smart innovation, is a story of resilience and adaptation. Through ITEC, India is now sharing that journey with the world. As global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and rural migration grow more complex, platforms like ITEC offer a ray of hope, powered by knowledge, experience, and a spirit of solidarity.

 -Krushna